Effect of soil moisture on bioremediation of chlorophenol-contaminated soil

Abstract

A chlorophenol-contaminated soil was tested for the biodegradability in a semi-pilot scale microcosm using indigenous microorganisms. More than 90% of 4-chlorophenol and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, initially at 30 mg kg(-1), were removed within 60 days and 30 mg pentachlorophenol kg(-1) was completely degraded within 140 days. The chlorophenols were degraded more effectively under aerobic condition than under anaerobic condition. Soil moisture had a significant effect with the slowest degradation rate of chlorophenols at 25% in the range of 10-40% moisture content. At 25-40%, the rate of chlorophenol degradation was directly related to the soil moisture content, whereas at 10-25%, it was inversely related. Limited oxygen availability through soil agglomeration at 25% moisture content might decrease the degradation rate of chlorophenols.