Anaerobic degradation of 1,2-dichloropropane in batch and continuous culture

Abstract

Microbial degradation of 1,2-dichloropropane (DCP) was studied in a laboratory scale continuous flow fluidized bed reactor using polyurethane foam cubes as a carrier for the mixed culture. The anaerobic enrichment culture derived from Saale River sediment and was immobilized prior to utilization in the reactor. The DCP degradation performance was monitored by direct gas chromatographic analysis. A variety of different co-substrates were investigated for their ability to support DCP dechlorination during reactor operation. Continuous DCP removal efficiencies over 90% were achieved with a model water at substrate loading rates of up to 700 μmol/(L · d) with methanol and sodium acetate as co-substrates at 24 h hydraulic retention time in the reactor. In batch experiments the degradation potential of the culture for other chlorinated organics, like 1, 2, 3-trichloropropane and dichlorodiisopropyl ether was investigated.