Transformations of trace halogenated aliphatics in anoxic biofilm columns

The transformability of trihalomethanes, carbon tetrachloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,2-dibromoethane, tetrachloroethylene, hexachloroethane, and dibromochloropropane was studied under conditions of denitrification, sulfate respiration, and methanogenesis. These compounds at concentrations commonly found in groundwater were continuously administered to anoxic biofilm columns that resembled groundwater environments. Acetate was the primary substrate to support microbial growth. All of the compounds studied were transformed under methanogenesis. Bromoform, bromodichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride, and hexachloroethane were transformed even under the less reducing conditions of denitrification. Some of the compounds were partially mineralized to CO₂. However, reductive dehalogenation appeared to be the predominant mechanism for removal. Characterization of the available electron acceptors in the subsurface is important for assessing organic micropollutant biotransformation. Reaction rates observed in the laboratory biofilms indicate that biotransformation could be responsible for significant removals of these halogenated compounds in the subsurface.