Advances in microbial oxidative degradation of chlorinated hydrocarbons and its potential application in in-situ remediation of contaminated sites

Abstract:

Chlorinated hydrocarbons, with high toxicity and persistence, are major environmental pollutants posing challenges to soil and groundwater remediation. Currently, bioremediation strategies primarily rely on anaerobic reductive dechlorination, which is often hindered by the accumulation of toxic intermediates (such as vinyl chloride) and the stringent environmental requirements of obligate dechlorinating bacteria, thus demonstrating limited remediation efficiency. To overcome these limitations, microbial oxidative degradation of chlorinated hydrocarbons has gained increasing recognition as a promising alternative. Key advantages of this approach include the prevention of toxic intermediate accumulation, broad environmental tolerance of degrading microorganisms, and enhanced metabolic efficiency. This review evaluates the limitations of anaerobic reductive dechlorination, summarizes recent advances in microbial oxidative degradation, including functional strains, metabolic pathways, current challenges in bioremediation, and concludes with prospective strategies for advancing direct oxidative bioremediation.