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

Microbial degradation of 1,2-dichloropropane (DCP) was studied in a laborat ory scale continuous flow fluidized bed reactor using polyurethane foam cub es as a carrier for the mixed culture. The anaerobic enrichment culture der ived from Saale River sediment and was immobilized prior to utilization in the reactor. The DCP degradation performance was monitored by direct gas ch romatographic analysis. A variety of different co-substrates were investiga ted for their ability to support DCP dechlorination during reactor operatio n. Continuous DCP removal efficiencies over 90% were achieved with a model water at substrate loading rates of up to 700 mu mol/(L . d) with methanol and sodium acetate as co-substrates at 24 h hydraulic retention time in the reactor. In hatch experiments the degradation potential of the culture for other chlorinated organics. like 1, 2, 3-trichloropropane and dichlorodiis opropyl ether was investigated.