Biosorption and biodegradation of trichloroethylene by acclimated activated sludge

The biosorprion and biodegradation of trichloroethylene (TCE) was investigated. The experimental results showed that at 25 degrees C the adsorption equilibrium of TCE at concentrations from 10 mg/L to 200 mg/L could be described by the Freundlich isotherm. Adsorption could complete within 15 min. Results indicated that glucose could serve as a co-substrate and enhance TCE biodegradation through co-metabolism. The TCE biodegradation conformed to the first-order reaction kinetic, and the rate constant was 0.3212 day(-1) at 25 degrees C. In addition, results also indicated that TCE could serve as the sole substrate and be biodegraded under aerobic condition. No intermediate products such as DCE and VC were accumulated during the degradation.