ENHANCED BIODEGRADATION OF CARBON-TETRACHLORIDE BY THE SUPPLEMENT OF SUBSTRATE AND MINERAL IONS UNDER ANAEROBIC CONDITION

The effect of substrate and mineral elements on the anaerobic bioremediation of carbon tetrachloride (CT) was investigated by introducing different substrates and mineral elements into the microbial communities. Glucose, acetate, and humic acid were used as carbon and energy sources for microbial use, ferrous ion was used as the reducing agent, and nitrate was used as the electron acceptor. Experimental results showed that the addition of substrates and mineral ions could enhance the biotransformation efficiency of CT. When followup substrates were delivered into the microcosms, 45% to 80% and 18% to 49% enhancement of CT removal were observed for glucose- and acetate-fed batches. This study indicated that the bioremediation of groundwater contaminated with heavily chlorinated hydrocarbons is feasible by applying the proper supplemental substrate and nutrients to the aquifer system with appropriate concentrations.