Biodegradation of Lindane (γ-Hexachlorocyclohexane) To Nontoxic End Products by Sequential Treatment with Three Mixed Anaerobic Microbial Cultures

The γ isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), also known as lindane, is a carcinogenic persistent organic pollutant. Lindane was used worldwide an agricultural insecticide. Legacy soil and groundwater contamination with lindane other HCH isomers still big concern. biotic reductive dechlorination to nondesirable toxic lower chlorinated compounds such monochlorobenzene (MCB) benzene, among others, has been broadly documented. Here, we demonstrate that complete biodegradation nontoxic end products attainable using sequential treatment approach three mixed anaerobic microbial cultures referred culture I, II, III. Biaugmentation I achieved MCB benzene. Culture II able dechlorinate finally, III carried out methanogenic benzene degradation. Distinct Dehalobacter populations, corresponding different 16S rRNA amplicon sequence variants in were responsible for dechlorination, respectively. This study continues highlight key roles chlorobenzene- -respiring bacteria demonstrates specialized may be explored at field sites order address legacy HCH.