Enzyme Engineering
Open Access

Abstract

Biochemical and Molecular Characterization of a PCE-Dechlorinating Microorganism

Young-Cheol Chang, Ken Sawada, Kazuhiro Takamizawa and Shintaro Kikuchi

Chlorinated solvents, such as tetrachloroethylene (also referred to Perchloroethylene; PCE) and Trichloroethylene (TCE), are among the most prevalent groundwater pollutants. Its frequent occurrence at contaminated sites is due to its widespread use as an industrial solvent. PCE and its incomplete dechlorination products are known or suspected carcinogens. Therefore, the treatment of PCE bearing wastes and the remediation of PCE contaminated soils and aquifers are a global priority on environmental pollution control.