The interactions between natural organics and indigenous microorganisms in the subsurface have been further complicated by the release of synthetic chlorinated compounds.  From the initial observation of the chemical and biological degradation of these compounds in the 1980s, through the identification of the biological mechanism and some of the responsible microorganisms in the 1990s, the participation of the microbial community has been the most difficult to assess.  With the advent of metagenomic approaches, the tools for exploring the complex interactions of the microbial communities with the microorganisms directly responsible for the chlorinated compound degradation are available.  We have begun to develop conceptual and mathematical models of the microbial community involved in the dechlorination of chlorinated compounds based in part on correlations between the presence and activity of community members as well as chemical and geochemical data from the subsurface. Their involvement is clarifying biological energy flux through these contaminated environments.

From biogeochemistry to metagenomics, the search for understanding of chlorinated compound biodegradation

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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