Aerobic Biodegradation

Aerobic biodegradation is the breakdown of organic contaminants by microorganisms when oxygen is present. Aerobic bacteria use oxygen as an electron acceptor, and break down organic chemicals into smaller organic compounds, often producing carbon dioxide and water as the final product. Aerobic biodegradation is also known as aerobic respiration. Aerobic biodegradation is an important component of the natural attenuation of contaminants at many hazardous waste sites.

More Information

• RDX Biodegradation Under Metal-Reducing Conditions
• Does NDMA Biodegrade at Ground-Water Recharge Facilities?
• History and Ecology of Chloroethene Biodegradation–A Review
• The Changing Face of Microbial Communities in Contaminant Plumes
• Using Oxygen to Enhance Biodegradation of Contaminants – Lessons Learned
• Using Oxygen to Clean Up Ground-Water Contamination
• Improving Cleanup of Contamination from Oil and Gas Production
• MTBE Biodegrades Naturally in Stream Sediments
• How Do You Clean Up Gasoline Spills Naturally?
• Oxygen-Release Compound Remediation Tests, Laurel Bay, SC

References

• Chapelle, F.H., 2000, Ground-Water Microbiology and Geochemistry: New York, John Wiley and Sons, 468 p.
• Natural Attenuation for Groundwater Remediation, 2000: National Academies Press
• In Situ Bioremediation: When Does it Work?,1993: National Academies Press
• Alternatives for Ground Water Cleanup, 1994: National Academies Press

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