Biodegradation kinetics of trichloroethylene and 1,2-dichloroethane by Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) cepacia PR1 sub(31) and Xanthobacter autotrophicus GJ10

The biodegradation kinetics for chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons trichloroethylene (TCE) by Burkholderia (Pseudomonas) cepacia PR1 sub(31) and for 1,2-dichloethane (1,2-DCA) by Xanthobacter autotrophicus GJ10 were determined using an initial rate method to determine the applicable rate law and relevant kinetic parameters under aerobic conditions. A first order linear rate law applied to 1,2-DCA biodegradation by X. autotrophicus GJ10. The first order rate constant was determined to be 0.014 ml/min/mg. A non-linear rate law applied to TCE biodegradation by B. cepacia PR1 sub(31). The maximum specific degradation rate constant was determined to be 0.8 nmol/min/mg protein, and the half saturation constant was determined to be 0.026 mM (3.47 ppm). Error analysis performed on our analytical methods and computations, using a logarithmic differentiation method, indicated the relative error of our reported rate constants to be approximately 17%. Knowledge of the kinetic rate laws and kinetic parameters governing the biodegradation of TCE and 1,2-DCA by these strains will further the application of these strains in the environmental field and in waste treatment applications.