Determination of Kinetic Parameters of Dehalogenation of Tetrachloroethene (PCE) Using Anaerobic Microorganism Cultures

Tetrachloroethene (PCE) is a man-made chlorinated solvent that is used for dry-cleaning, degreasing metal, and manufacturing other chemicals in industrial settings. PCE is also considered an environmental toxin that can is still currently found in groundwater. In this project, three strains of bacteria cultures are used for dehalogenation of PCE; Evanite (EV), Victoria (VS), and Point Mugu (PM) strains. The rate of dehalogenation of each of the cultures will be investigated using gas chromatography to determine the concentration of PCE, TCE, cis-DCE, VC, and ethene present over time in mixtures initially containing a known amount of PCE and microbial culture. Gas chromatography data will then be analyzed to further predict the maximum rate of dehalogenation each culture is capable of in micromoles of PCE per milligram of microbial protein per day. Microbial samples will be maintained in ideal anaerobic conditions, kept at 20˚C, and shaken at 200rpm during the testing process. Results from this experiment will lead to a better understanding of the nature of these particular microorganisms for future research in bioremediation.