1,2-dichloroethane removal by Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lamk and Pseudomonas putida BCC 23535

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to investigate the ability of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lamk and Pseudomonas putida BCC 23535 to remove 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) in contaminated water under hydroponic conditions. B. gymnorrhiza (L.) Lamk is a representative mangrove plant that can tolerate high levels of 1,2-DCA with a lethal dose 50 (LD₅₀) of 34.67 mM. A concentration of 10 mM 1,2-DCA was chosen in the present study because it had no adverse effect on the plant. Using B. gymnorrhiza (L.) Lamk alone could completely remove 1,2-DCA over four cycles of 1,2-DCA exposure. P. putida BCC 23535 alone could also remove 1,2-DCA but the efficiency was lower than B. gymnorrhiza (L.) Lamk. The combination of B. gymnorrhiza (L.) Lamk and P. putida BCC 23535 could completely remove 1,2-DCA within 6 days, which was more effective than the individual plants alone. P. putida BCC 23535 can be applied in 1,2-DCA contaminated water in groundwater which B. gymnorrhiza (L.) Lamk can be used in above ground contaminated environments. Therefore, this study suggests that both B. gymnorrhiza (L.) Lamk and P. putida BCC 23535 are alternative ways to treat 1,2-DCA in contaminated environments.