STRATEGIES FOR THE AEROBIC CO-METABOLISM OF CHLORINATED SOLVENTS

Recent field and laboratory studies have evaluated the potential for a erobic co-metabolism of chlorinated solvents. Different co-metabolic s ubstrates and different methods of application have been tried, includ ing growing indigenous microbes in situ, and injecting into the soil s ubsurface strains grown in subsurface reactors for their cc-metabolic potential. There is much potential for using co-metabolism for treatin g a broad range of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons. Recirculation w ells have potential for adding soluble cc-metabolic substrates (i.e. p henol and toluene) into contaminated aquifers, while direct addition o f gaseous substrates (i.e. methane and propane) into aquifers also hol ds promise. Aromatic substrates (phenol and toluene) are best used for treatment of chlorinated ethenes, whereas gaseous co-metabolic substr ate (methane and propane) are better suited for the treatment of chlor inated methanes and ethanes. Many factors can enhance co-metabolic tra nsformations, such as nutrients and available energy sources. (C) Curr ent Biology Ltd.