Biodegradation of trichloroethylene by phenol-degrading Pseudomonas putida

Abstract

Pseudomonas putida KCTC 2401 degrades 1,1,2-trichloroethylene (TCE) using phenol as a cosubstrate. The initial TCE degradation rate decreased with the initial TCE concentration up to 20 mg/l of TCE at 30 degrees C and pH 6.5. The initial degradation rate and total removal efficiency increased with inoculum size. The strain also degraded dichloroacetic acid, which was supposed to be a degradation by-product. Phenol monooxygenase apparently participates in the TCE degradation mechanism.