Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Research Articles

Full-scale stimulation of reductive dechlorination using the Liner® technique

Following the results of an earlier pilot study, a full-scale remediation project was undertaken at an operational factory in the Dutch town of Zwolle over a 59 week period between August 2002 and September 2003. Contamination from chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) in the source zone was treated using a novel gas injection and nebuliser system called LINER. Ethyl lactate was selected as a carbon substrate to stimulate in situ bioremediation. It was atomised and injected at a rate of 500 ml/day over a 3 min duration from 6 no injection wells with a total of 12 no injection filters at 24–25 and 44–45 m depth. The performance of the remediation technique was observed using an array of groundwater monitoring wells. The results are variable with biodegradation to ethene proceeding well at depths of 14–15 and 44–45 m depth. Limitations in biodegradation were attributed to the variations in stratigraphy and limited zone of influence near the injection points.

Field Monitoring of a Permeable Reactive Barrier for Removal of Chlorinated Organics

The application of zero-valent iron (Fe0) in the funnel-and-gate permeable reactive barrier (PRB) installed at the Vapokon site, Denmark, was conducted in 1999 to remediate the groundwater contaminated by chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs). Over the past 4years, except in September 2002 and January 2003, about 92.4–97.5% CAH removal could be achieved with the PRB. Although there was a continuous decrease in total alkalinity (90.3%), calcium (81.7%), and sulfate (69.2%) ions in the groundwater crossing the PRB, probably caused by mineral precipitation and resulting in 0.88% porosity loss per year, no noticeable deterioration of the barrier’s performance was observed between March 2000, and August 2003. Instead, climatic variation in the barrier’s performance on CAH dechlorination was examined. The dechlorination rates in the cold season (January 2003 and March 2000) were generally smaller than those in the hot season (August 2003, September 2000, and September 2001). Besides, 1,2-dichloroethane and dichloromethane, which were proven to be not treatable by Fe0, could also be removed with the PRB, thereby suggesting enhancement from Fe0 adsorption or microbial degradation.

Push–pull tests evaluating in situ aerobic cometabolism of ethylene, propylene, and cis-1,2-dichloroethylene

In situ aerobic cometabolic transformations of ethylene, propylene, and cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (c-DCE), by microorganisms stimulated on propane, were examined in groundwater contaminated with c-DCE and trichloroethylene (TCE). In situ measurements were performed by conducting field push–pull tests, which consisted of injecting site groundwater amended with a bromide tracer and combinations of propane, dissolved oxygen (DO), nitrate, ethylene, propylene, c-DCE, and TCE into existing monitoring wells and sampling the same wells over time. Mass balance and transformation rate calculations were performed after adjusting for dilution losses using measured tracer concentrations. Initial rates of propane utilization were very low; rates increased substantially following sequential additions of propane and DO. Evidence that propane and DO additions had stimulated organisms expressing a propane monoxygenase enzyme system and that had the capability to transform chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) included: (1) the transformation of injected ethylene and propylene to the cometabolic byproducts ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, (2) the transformation of c-DCE, and (3) the inhibition of these transformations in the presence of coinjected acetylene, a known monoxygenase mechanism-based inactivator. These results suggest that a series of push–pull tests performed with nontoxic chemical probes can be useful for detecting and monitoring in situ aerobic cometabolism of CAHs.

Quantification of Sequential Chlorinated Ethene Degradation by Use of a Reactive Transport Model Incorporating Isotope Fractionation

Compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) enables quantification of biodegradation by use of the Rayleigh equation. The Rayleigh equation fails, however, to describe the sequential degradation of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) involving various intermediates that are controlled by simultaneous degradation and production. This paper shows how isotope fractionation during sequential degradation can be simulated in a 1D reactive transport code (PHREEQC-2). 12C and 13C isotopes of each CAH were simulated as separate species, and the ratio of the rate constants of the heavy to light isotope equaled the kinetic isotope fractionation factor for each degradation step. The developed multistep isotope fractionation reactive transport model (IF-RTM) adequately simulated reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethene (PCE) to ethene in a microcosm experiment. Transport scenarios were performed to evaluate the effect of sorption and of different degradation rate constant ratios among CAH species on the downgradient isotope evolution. The power of the model to quantify degradation is illustrated for situations where mixed sources degrade and for situations where daughter products are removed by oxidative processes. Finally, the model was used to interpret the occurrence of reductive dechlorination at a field site. The developed methodology can easily be incorporated in 3D solute transport models to enable quantification of sequential CAH degradation in the field by CSIA.

Biodegradation of Chlorinated Solvents in Bioreactor Landfills

The objective of this research is to investigate the intrinsic biodegradation potential of the municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill ecosystem for chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs). The research was conducted in two complementary systems: simulated landfill bioreactors and batch degradation experiment in serum bottles. Refuse samples excavated from a MSW landfill were tested in laboratory bioreactors operated with leachate recirculation and gas collection. Tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) were added to reactors and maintained at 20 μM each in leachate to simulate the long-term exposure of refuse microorganisms to CAHs in landfills. Anaerobic microbial cultures were derived from reactors at two different stages of refuse decomposition: active refuse decomposition stage representing young landfills and maturation phase representing aged landfills. These cultures were tested in serum bottles for their abilities to biodegrade target CAHs. Results of this study show that MSW landfills have an intrinsic reductive dechlorination capacity for PCE and TCE. The decomposition of refuse also enhanced reductive dechlorination in this study. This research suggests the potential to develop engineering strategies to promote chlorinated solvent degradation concurrently with refuse decomposition in MSW landfills.

A KINETIC STUDY OF AEROBIC PROPANE UPTAKE AND COMETABOLIC DEGRADATION OF CHLOROFORM, CIS-DICHLOROETHYLENE AND TRICHLOROETYLENE IN MICROCOSMS WITH GROUNDWATER/AQUIFER SOLIDS

The focus of this study was to compare the behavior of different consortiums of aerobic propane-utilizing microorganisms, with respect to both the lag time for growth after exposure to propane, and their ability to transform three chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs): chloroform (CF), cis-dichloroethylene (c-DCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE). Thirty-three slurry microcosms, representing seven combinations of aquifer solids and groundwater were constructed for this study. The lag time required for establishing propane-utilizing consortiums ranged between 24 and 29 days in 6 of the 7 combinations. Kinetic tests were performed with respect to propane utilization and CAH transformation. After CAH exposure, the ability of the microorganisms to metabolize propane was significantly reduced. CF and TCE were transformed more slowly than c-DCE, the average values of the initial transformation rates being equal to 0.10 ± 0.04, 0.09 ± 0.05 and 0.98 ± 0.18 μmol/(L h),respectively. CF caused the greatest reduction in propane uptake rates, whereas c-DCE exhibited an apparently reversible negative effect on propane uptake rates. The estimates of the Monod half-saturation constants relative to CF, TCE and c-DCE resulted in the 2–3 μmol/L range, but were characterized by a high degree of uncertainty.

ポリ乳酸エステルを用いた嫌気性微生物分解の促進による地下水中塩素化脂肪族炭化水素(CAHs)の浄化

ポリ乳酸エステルを用いた嫌気性微生物分解の促進による地下水中塩素化脂肪族炭化水素(CAHs)の浄化

Aquatic Hazard Assessment of a Contaminated Surficial Aquifer Discharge into the Bush River, Maryland (U.S.A.)

An aquatic hazard assessment of contaminatedgroundwater in a surficial aquifer was conducted at Beach Pointwhich is located in the Edgewood Area of the U.S. Army Garrison,Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Toxicity was detected atvarious groundwater concentrations by seven of 10 toxicity testsystems exposed to a mixture of heavy metals and chlorinatedaliphatic hydrocarbons. When estimated maximum acceptabletoxicant concentrations (MATC) were established, the data foralgae, invertebrates, and fish suggested that the groundwaterwould not be harmful at a concentration of 10% groundwater byvolume. Likewise, no genotoxicity (Ames and SEC assays),development toxicity (FETAX), or chronic histopathology (9-monthfish test) occurred at 10% groundwater by volume.Near-field (ULINE model) and far-field (dye-tracer model)screening level dilution models were run to estimate the dilutionof the groundwater discharge plume from Beach Point into the BushRiver. The groundwater was considered to be a potentiallyexcessive hazardous material to the biota in the Bush River whena number of conservative assumptions regarding contaminantdistribution and discharge rate of the aquifer were used in thehazard assessment. By modeling the groundwater emanating fromBeach Point as the dilution of a discharge from a line diffuser,the potential water quality impacts were judged to be minimal ifState of Maryland surface water discharge criteria for a mixingzone were used for the discharge of groundwater to the Bush River.

Chlorine stable isotope measurements of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons by thermal ionization mass spectrometry

An improved method for chlorine isotopic analysis using thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) of Cs 2Cl + has been investigated. The δ 37 Cl values (parts per mil deviations from the standard seawater 37 Cl/ 35 Cl ratio) for 10 commercial chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs), provided by six suppliers are presented. The CAHs were treated with a sodiumbiphenyl reagent. The liberated chloride ions were converted to CsCl and their isotopic compositions were determined by TIMS. Replicate analysis of the CAHs gave an external precision of 0.1–0.4‰ (1 σ S.D.). As each compound and each supplier has a distinctive δ 37 Cl value ( δ 37 Cl values: −5.0 to +2.9‰), Cl isotope data can be used to trace a specific source of pollutants in the subsurface environment. Trichloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE) were extracted from aqueous solutions with toluene and their chlorine isotope compositions were analyzed. The solvent extraction method presented here may be applicable to the analysis of actual contaminated water samples. Chlorine atoms were recovered as inorganic chloride from unsaturated chlorinated aliphatic compounds (TCE and PCE) by KMnO 4 oxidation. However, the saturated compounds were resistant to KMnO 4 oxidation. The isotopic compositions of the recovered chloride ion were then determined by TIMS. It is suggested that such compound-specific isotopic analyses may give information about the past record of each contaminant.

Dechlorination of PCBs, CAHs, herbicides and pesticides neat and in soils at 25 °C using Na/NH 3

Na/NH 3 reductions have been used to dehalogenate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) and pesticides at diffusion controlled rates at room temperature in model compound studies in both dry NH 3 and when water was added. The rate ratio of dechlorination (aliphatic and aromatic compounds) versus reaction of the solvated electron with water is very large, allowing wet soils or sludges to be remediated without an unreasonable consumption of sodium. Several soils, purposely contaminated with 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1-chlorooctane and tetrachloroethylene, were remediated by slurring the soils in NH 3 followed by addition of sodium. The consumption of sodium per mole of chlorine removed was examined as a function of both the hazardous substrate’s concentration in the soil and the amount of water present. The Na consumption per Cl removed increases as the amount of water increases and as the substrate concentration in soil decreases. However, remediation was still readily accomplished from 5000 to 3000 ppm to sub ppm levels of RCl in the presence of substantial amounts of water. PCB- and dioxin-contaminated oils were remediated with Na/NH 3 as were PCB-contaminated soils and sludges from contaminated sites. Ca/NH 3 treatments also successfully remediated PCB-contaminated clay, sandy and organic soils but laboratory studies demonstrated that Ca was less efficient than Na when substantial amounts of water were present. The advantages of solvated electron reductions using Na/NH 3 include: (1) very rapid dehalogenation rates at ambient temperature, (2) soils (even clay soils) break down into particles and slurry nicely in NH 3, (3) liquid ammonia handling technology is well known and (4) removal from soils, recovery and recycle of ammonia is easy due to its low boiling point. Finally, dechlorination is extremely fast even for the ‘corner’ chlorines in the substrate Mirex™ (structure in Eq. (5)).

Extraction of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons from groundwater at micromolar concentrations for isotopic analysis of chlorine

A method is described for near-quantitative extraction of micromolar concentrations of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) from water for determination of chlorine (Cl) isotope ratios. A low pressure, carrier-gas procedure of extraction was proven to be applicable to CH 2Cl 2, CCl 4, C 2H 2Cl 2, and C 2HCl 3. The pH of the water was adjusted with NaOH to prevent extraction of CO 2 from air and/or dissolved inorganic carbonate species. Recoveries of CAH samples (∼15 μmol), added to and extracted from ∼340 ml of water, averaged ∼96%. Average changes in the δ 37Cl values of the CAHs, attributable to the extraction process, were −0.01±0.06‰. Significant isotopic fractionation of Cl was measured during partial extraction of C 2CHCl 3 from water, indicating that near-quantitative extraction is required for reliable stable Cl isotope analysis of CAHs. This method is also suitable for the extraction of dissolved CAH for gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometric measurements of hydrogen and carbon.

Bioaugmentation of Fe(0) for the Remediation of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons

ABSTRACT There has been considerable interest in the use of Fe(0) for the treatment of highly chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs). Because early field studies found little biological contribution to degradation, much of the recent research has focused on abiotic processes. However, previous experiments in our laboratory have demonstrated that the rate and extent of carbon tetrachloride (CT) and chloroform (CF) degradation were enhanced when Fe(0) and methanogenic enrichment or methanogenic pure cultures were incubated together. In this study, acetate- or lactate-enriched methanogenic cultures were added to columns containing a steel wool support medium. Fe(0) served as the sole exogenous electron donor. CT, tetrachloroethene (PCE), and 1,1,1,-trichlorothane (1,1,1,-TCA) were fed to columns alone and in mixtures in reduced mineral medium. Columns were operated for periods of up to 90 months. Based on extent of dechlorination, an enhancement was observed for CT and 1,1,1-TCA when methanogenic enrichme...

Effect of 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane on the Performance of Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Bed (UASB) Reactors

Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAH) are important environmental pollutants since they are industrially used for a wide variety of applications. Chlorinated hydrocarbons are cited as important contributors to the inhibition of anaerobic digestion. In this work, the effect of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (TCE) on the performance of upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors fed with sucrose synthetic wastewater has been studied. According to the results obtained it can be concluded the possibility to use UASB reactors with granular sludge to treat industrial wastewaters with a continuous content of TCE up to a concentration of 130 mg/l or with incidental punctual discharges of high concentration of the toxicant up to 400 mg/l. In all cases in which the activity of the reactor was inhibited a fast recuperation was observed.

Anaerobic Biotransformation of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons: Ugly Duckling to Beautiful Swan

For many years anaerobic biological processes were reputed to be more sensitive than aerobic processes to toxic substances such as chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAH) and thus a poor choice for treating water containing these compounds. This was especially true for water containing perchloroethylene (PCE) or trichloroethylene (TCE) because vinyl chloride, a human carcinogen, is produced when these two compounds are degraded anaerobically. Aerobic treatment with organisms containing oxygenase enzyme systems, which could fortuitously degrade a wide variety of chlorinated aliphatics (but not PCE), was favored. Recently, however, several enrichments and organisms have been isolated that will convert PCE and TCE into ethene and ethane, as shown by field data. Because of this evidence, anaerobic processes are now considered a significant alternative treatment for CAH contamination. Recent work at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, has focused on the effect of mixtures of CAHs on biotransformation of individual organic compounds and the potential for a combined methanogen‐iron (Fe(0)) system to improve CAH bioremediation. At the concentration ranges tested, the presence of a mixture of CAHs seems to decrease rate of transformation of individual organics. However, there are important exceptions; in some cases a mixture of CAHs seems to facilitate transformation of an individual organic compound. Combination of an active methanogenic population with Fe(0) increases the rate and extent of transformation of carbon tetrachloride and chloroform. Results with PCE and 1, 1, 1‐trichloroethane are less clear.

Isotopic fractionation of carbon and chlorine by microbial degradation of dichloromethane

Microbial culture experiments were performed at 22°C to investigate isotopic fractionation of carbon (C) and chlorine (Cl) during aerobic degradation of dichloromethane (DCM) by MC8b, a gram-negative methylotrophic organism closely related to the genera Methylobacterium or Ochrobactrum. Values of the isotopic fractionation factor, α, were estimated from the experimental results. These values are 0.9576±0.0015 for C and 0.9962±0.0003 for Cl, corresponding to kinetic isotope effects (KIE) of 1.0424 for C and 1.0038 for Cl. The C isotope effect accompanying aerobic degradation of DCM by MC8b is roughly twice that resulting from microbial oxidation of CH 4. Further studies of this type, for a variety of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) under a range of biogeochemical conditions, may find important applications in the characterization and remediation of sites contaminated with CAHs.

Gender differences in risk of renal cell carcinoma and occupational exposures to chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons

Background: Organic solvents have been associated with renal cell cancer; however, the risk by gender and type of solvents is unclear. Methods: We evaluated the risk of renal cell carcinoma among men and women exposed to all organic solvents-combined, all chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHC)-combined, and nine individual CAHC using a priori job exposure matrices developed by NCI in a population-based case-control study in Minnesota, U.S. We interviewed 438 renal cell cancer cases (273 men and 165 women) and 687 controls (462 men and 225 women). Results: Overall, 34% of male cases and 21% of female cases were exposed to organic solvents in general. The risk of renal cell carcinoma was significantly elevated among women exposed to all organic solvents combined (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.3–4.2), to CAHC combined (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.1–3.9), and to trichloroethylene (TCE) (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.0–4.0). Among men, no significant excess risk was observed among men exposed to any of these nine individual CAHCs, all CAHCs-combined, or all organic solvents-combined. Discussion: These observed gender differences in risk of renal cell carcinoma in relation to exposure to organic solvents may be explained by chance based on small numbers, or by the differences in body fat content, metabolic activity, the rate of elimination of xenobiotics from the body, or by differences in the level of exposure between men and women, even though they have the same job title. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:54–59, 1999. Published 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Gender differences in risk of renal cell carcinoma and occupational exposures to chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons.

Organic solvents have been associated with renal cell cancer; however, the risk by gender and type of solvents is nuclear. We evaluated the risk of renal cell carcinoma among men and women exposed to all organic solvents-combined, all chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHC)-combined, and nine individual CAHC using a priori job exposure matrices developed by NCI in a population-based case-control study in Minnesota, U.S. We interviewed 438 renal cell cancer cases (273 men and 165 women) and 687 controls (462 men and 225 women). Overall, 34% of male cases and 21% of female cases were exposed to organic solvents in general. The risk of renal cell carcinoma was significantly elevated among women exposed to all organic solvents combined (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.3-4.2), to CAHC combined (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.1-3.9), and to trichloroethylene (TCE) (OR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.0-4.0). Among men, no significant excess risk was observed among men exposed to any of these nine individual CAHCs, all CAHCs-combined, or all organic solvents-combined. These observed gender differences in risk of renal cell carcinoma in relation to exposure to organic solvents may be explained by chance based on small numbers, or by the differences in body fat content, metabolic activity, the rate of elimination of xenobiotics from the body, or by differences in the level of exposure between men and women, even though they have the same job title.

Hydraulic and Geochemical Performance of a Permeable Reactive Barrier Containing Zero‐Valent Iron, Denver Federal Center

AbstractThe hydraulic and geochemical performance of a 366 m long permeable reactive barrier (PRB) at the Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado, was evaluated. The funnel and gate system, which was installed in 1996 to intercept and remediate ground water contaminated with chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs), contained four 12.2 m wide gates filled with zero‐valent iron. Ground water mounding on the upgradient side of the PRB resulted in a tenfold increase in the hydraulic gradient and ground water velocity through the gates compared to areas of the aquifer unaffected by the PRB. Water balance calculations for April 1997 indicate that about 75 % of the ground water moving toward the PRB from upgradient areas moved through the gates. The rest of the water either accumulated on the upgradient side of the PRB or bypassed the PRB. Chemical data from monitoring wells screened down‐gradient, beneath, and at the ends of the PRB indicate that contaminants had not bypassed the PRB, except in a few isolated areas. Greater than 99 % of the CAH mass entering the gates was retained by the iron. Fifty‐one percent of the CAH carbon entering one gate was accounted for in dissolved C1 and C2 hydrocarbons, primarily ethane and ethene, which indicates that CAHs may adsorb to the iron prior to being dehalogenated. Treated water exiting the gates displaced contaminated ground water at a distance of at least 3 m downgradient from the PRB by the end of 1997. Measurements of dissolved inorganic ions in one gate indicate that calcite and siderite precipitation in the gate could reduce gate porosity by about 0.35 % per year. Results from this study indicate that funnel and gate systems containing zero‐valent iron can effectively treat ground water contaminated with CAHs. However, the hydrologic impacts of the PRB on the flow system need to be fully understood to prevent contaminants from bypassing the PRB.

Demonstrating Localized Intrinsic Biodegradation of Chlorinated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons Using Time Series Sampling

AbstractLocalized intrinsic biodegradation of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) was investigated by pumping from a monitoring well screened in a low conductivity carbonate mudstone. Two time series tests were conducted to assess the relative potential for intrinsic biodegradation in occur in the mudstone compared to the surrounding highly productive carbonate aquifer. Water samples were collected during pumping and analyzed for CAHs (tests 1 and 2). and water quality parameters (pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, redox), election donors and acceptors, and biodegradation indicators (chloride, alkalinity) (test 2). During both lime series tests, concentrations of TCE breakdown products— DCE, vinyl chloride and ethane—decreased significantly after pumping 500 gallons of water from the well. During lest 2. concentrations of electron donors and acceptors and biodegradation indicators decreased, whereas dissolved oxygen and redox remained at low levels. Multiple lines of evidence demonstrated that that intrinsic bioremediation of CAHs is occurring in the mudstone, including: (1) presence of anaerobic conditions in the mudstone conducive for reductive dechlorination: (2) progression of electron acceptors and presence of methanogenic conditions; (3) available supply of electron donors in the mudstone: (4) occurrence of TCE breakdown products; and (5) increased chloride and alkalinity concentrations in the zone of active biodegradation.Time series testing indicated that during the early stages of pumping, effluent consisted mainly of ground water derived from the mudstone unit. With continued pumping, an increasing percentage of effluent water was derived from the less contaminated, permeable carbonate units which bounded the mudstone layer. Differences in permeabilities between the carbonate aquifer and mudstone layer probably accounted for the varying degree of intrinsic biodegradation observed between the two systems. Future remedial efforts should consider avoiding ground water extraction from the mudstone and disturbing the intrinsic biodegradation processes that are reducing contaminant mass in the aquifer.

Effect of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloro-ethane on the performance of upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors

Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAH) are important environmental pollutants since they are industrially used for a wide variety of applications. Chlorinated hydrocarbons are cited as important contributors to the inhibition of anaerobic digestion. In this work, the effect of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (TCE) on the performance of upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors fed with sucrose synthetic wastewater has been studied. According to the results obtained it can be concluded the possibility to use UASB reactors with granular sludge to treat industrial wastewaters with a continuous content of TCE up to a concentration of 130 mg/l or with incidental punctual discharges of high concentration of the toxicant up to 400 mg/l. In all cases in which the activity of the reactor was inhibited a fast recuperation was observed.