Evidence for Simultaneous Abiotic−Biotic Oxidations in a Microbial-Fenton's System

The conditions that support the simultaneous activity of hydroxyl radicals (OH.) and heterotrophic aerobic bacterial metabolism were investigated using two probe compounds: (1) tetrachloroethene (PCE) for the detection of OH. generated by an iron-nitrilotriacetic acid (Fe-NTA) catalyzed Fenton-like reaction and (2) oxalate (OA) for the detection of heterotrophic metabolism of Xanthobacter flavus. In the absence of the bacterium in the quasi-steady-state Fenton's system, only PCE oxidation was observed; conversely, only OA assimilation was found in non-Fenton's systems containing X. flavus. In combined Fenton's-microbial systems, loss of both probes was observed. PCE oxidation increased and heterotrophic assimilation of OA declined as a function of an increase in the quasi-steady-state H2O2 concentration. Central composite rotatable experimental designs were used to determine the conditions that provide maximum simultaneous abiotic-biotic oxidations, which were achieved with a biomass level of 10(9) CFU/mL, 4.5 mM H2O2, and 2.5 mM Fe-NTA. These results demonstrate that heterotrophic bacterial metabolism can occur in the presence of hydroxyl radicals. Such simultaneous abiotic-biotic oxidations may exist when H2O2 is injected into the subsurface as a microbial oxygen source or as a source of chemical oxidants. In addition, hybrid abiotic-biotic systems could be used for the treatment of waters containing biorefractory organic contaminants present in recycle water, cooling water, or industrial waste streams.