Bioremediation of chlorophenol-containing simulated groundwater by immobilized bacteria

Results are reported from experiments on the feasibility of using pure cultures of chlorophenol-mineralizing Rhodococcus spp., immobilized on a polyurethane carrier, to treat groundwater polluted with chlorophenol. The immobilized bacteria were effective in adsorbing chlorophenols, both at room temperature and at local groundwater temperature (4C). Periodically, the temperature was increased to 25C to allow the bacteria to biodegrade the adsorbed chlorophenol. No additional carbon source or other nutrients were required, and the treated water could be returned to the aquifer.