Biodegradation of Volatile, Halogenated, Aliphatic Compounds

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This is an award to provide support for research to determine the feasibility of an innovative concept using microbes to biologically degrade volatile halogenated aliphatic organic contaminants of soil. Volatile halogenated aliphatic compounds are predominant contaminants at hazardous waste sites. Trichloroethylene is the most commonly occurring compound in this class. These compounds are persistent and therefore require some form of remediation or removal. Present technology utilizes carbon adsorption, which means transferring the hazardous compounds to another medium which must be decontaminated by combustion. The efficiency of the microbial process that is the subject of this research will be compared with that achieved by use of carbon adsorption and by use of alternative strains of microorganisms that have exhibited this ability to degrade soil contaminants. The proposal leading to this Phase I award was submitted in response to NSF 88-8, Small Business Innovation Research. Results may provide an alternative and more efficient procedure to decontaminate soil at sites where the target compounds have been placed or to which they have moved.