Lab-scale biodegradation assay using passive samplers to determine microorganisms’ ability to reduce polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) volatilization from contaminated sediment

Christian M. Bako; Andres Martinez; Rachel F. Marek; Keri C. Hornbuckle; Jerald L. Schnoor; Timothy E. Mattes

doi:10.1016/j.mex.2023.102039

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Lab-scale biodegradation assay using passive samplers to determine microorganisms’ ability to reduce polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) volatilization from contaminated sediment

Journal article

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Lab-scale biodegradation assay using passive samplers to determine microorganisms’ ability to reduce polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) volatilization from contaminated sediment

Christian M. Bako, Andres Martinez, Rachel F. Marek, Keri C. Hornbuckle, Jerald L. Schnoor and Timothy E. Mattes

MethodsX, Vol.10, 102039

01/2023

DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102039

PMCID: PMC9926300

PMID: 36798837

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2023.102039View

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Abstract

Many PCB-degrading aerobes have been identified which may serve as bioaugmentation strains for aerobic, in situ bioremediation or in combination with dredging operations. The present work describes a lab-scale PCB biodegradation assay which can be used to screen potential bioaugmentation strains or consortia for their ability to decrease PCB mass flux from contaminated sediment to air through biodegradation of freely dissolved PCBs that have desorbed from sediment particles. The assay uses two types of passive samplers to simultaneously measure PCB mass that is freely dissolved in aqueous solution and PCB mass that has volatilized to the headspace of the bioreactor. Using this approach, relative comparisons of PCB mass accumulated in passive samplers between bioaugmented treatments and controls allow for practical assessment of a microbial strain's ability to reduce both freely dissolved and vapor phase PCB concentrations. The method is designed to be conducted using aliquots of homogenized, well-characterized, PCB-contaminated sediment gathered from a field site. This work details the experimental design methodology, required materials, bioreactor set-up, passive sampling, PCB-extraction, sample cleanup, and quantification protocols such that the biodegradation assay can be conducted or replicated. A step-by-step protocol is also included and annotated with photos, tips, and tricks from experienced analysts. • Relative comparisons of PCB mass accumulated in passive samplers between experimental treatments and controls allow for practical assessment of bioaugmentation strain's ability to reduce both freely dissolved and vapor phase PCB concentrations • Passive sampler preparation, deployment, PCB-extraction, cleanup procedures, and quantification are detailed step-by-step and annotated by experienced analysts

Details

Title: Subtitle: Lab-scale biodegradation assay using passive samplers to determine microorganisms’ ability to reduce polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) volatilization from contaminated sediment
Creators: Christian M. Bako
Andres Martinez
Rachel F. Marek
Keri C. Hornbuckle
Jerald L. Schnoor
Timothy E. Mattes
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: MethodsX, Vol.10, 102039
DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2023.102039
PMID: 36798837
PMCID: PMC9926300
ISSN: 2215-0161
eISSN: 2215-0161
Language: English
Date published: 01/2023
Academic Unit: Civil and Environmental Engineering; Occupational and Environmental Health; IIHR--Hydroscience and Engineering; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology; Iowa Superfund Research Program
Record Identifier: 9984363547202771

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