# Polyhydroxyalkanoate as a slow-release carbon source for in situ bioremediation of contaminated aquifers: From laboratory investigation to pilot-scale testing in the field.
> ポリヒドロキシアルカノエートを緩効性炭素源とした汚染帯水層の原位置バイオレメディエーション：室内試験からパイロットスケール現場試験まで


## Abstract

This study examined the feasibility of using poly-3-hydroxy-butyrate (PHB) as an electron donor for in situ biological reductive dechlorination of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) in groundwater. PHB undergoes a restricted fermentation pathway producing acetic acid and molecular hydrogen, thereby minimizing residual carbon accumulation that could degrade groundwater quality. Prior to field deployment at a heavily CAH-contaminated industrial site in Italy, microcosm experiments confirmed quantitative conversion of CAHs to ethene. A 30-m-deep, 3-screened groundwater circulation well (GCW) coupled with an external treatment unit was installed to distribute PHB fermentation products into low-permeability zones. Quantitative real-time PCR monitoring over the first 4 months of operation revealed up to a 6.6-fold increase in Dehalococcoides mccartyi abundance and measurable reductions in CAH concentrations at monitoring wells, confirming effective delivery and stimulation of dechlorination activity.

### Mechanism

PHB fermentation yields acetic acid and molecular hydrogen, which serve as electron donors supporting Dehalococcoides mccartyi-mediated reductive dechlorination of chlorinated hydrocarbons in the subsurface.

## Bibliographic

- **Authors**: Pierro L, Matturro B, Rossetti S, Sagliaschi M, Sucato S, Alesi E, et al.
- **Journal**: N Biotechnol
- **Year**: 2017 (2017-07-25)
- **PMID**: [27903429](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27903429/)
- **DOI**: [10.1016/j.nbt.2016.11.004](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nbt.2016.11.004)
- **Study type**: other
- **Delivery route**: not specified
- **Effect reported**: not assessed

## Delivery context

The delivery route is not clearly identifiable from this paper. For hydrogen intake, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

## Safety notes

The delivery route is not clearly identifiable from this paper. For hydrogen intake, inhalation is the most efficient route; inhalation, however, carries explosion risk (empirical LFL of 10%; high-concentration devices are not recommended).

See also:
- [Inhalation concentration and LFL / UFL](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/inhalation-concentration)
- [Consumer Affairs Agency accident cases](https://h2-papers.org/en/safety-notes/accident-cases)

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> **Cite as**: H2 Papers — PMID 27903429. https://h2-papers.org/en/papers/27903429
> **Source**: PubMed PMID [27903429](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27903429/)