Abstract
Evidence is accumulating that inert humic substances can play important roles in the anaerobic degradation of priority pollutants by shuttling electrons. This paper reviews the roles of humus and quinone analogues as electron acceptors, redox mediators and electron donors for microbial and abiotic degradation processes. An eventual technology based on pumping quinones as terminal electron acceptors into aquifers and sediments to stimulate xenobiotic degradation offers promising potential. Also quinone redox mediators can be considered to accelerate reductive transformations (e.g. dechlorination, azo cleavage) of priority pollutants.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 215-222 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Water Science and Technology |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 5-6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2000 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | Waste Minimisation and End of Pipe Treatment in Chemical and Petrochemical Industries - Merida, Mexico Duration: Nov 14 1999 → Nov 18 1999 |
Keywords
- Anaerobic biodegradation
- Electron acceptor
- Humus
- Quinones
- Redox mediator
- Xenobiotic pollutants
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Science and Technology