Biodegradation of trichloroethylene by Mycobacterium vaccae

Abstract

Nonproliferating cells of Mycobacterium vaccae that were grown on propane could mineralize limited amounts of trichloroethylene. Intermediates in the biodegradation of trichloroethylene were 2,2,2-trichloroethanol and 2,2,2-trichloroacetaldehyde. Trichloroethanol was completely degraded when added to a nonproliferating cell suspension of Mycobacterium vaccae. Addition of toluene to the reaction mixtures effected a 50% increase in the mineralization of [14C]trichloroethylene.