Flora 9410486 This is an award to provide support for research on a novel approach for biological treatment of water containing halogenated organic contaminants. The process involves use of a mixed culture of anaerobic microorganisms that are cultivated on a cathode while an electric current at low potential is passed through the solution. Formation of hydrogen on the cathode produces reducing conditions at the cathode that can induce the biologically mediated dehalogenation reaction. Results of this project are expected to provide knowledge about a process that has the potential of removing pollutants without producing undesirable byproducts. The mathematical model the investigator plans on being able to build and calibrated with experimentally determined data can be used in engineering design of processes using this novel approach to decontamination of water. The proposal leading to this award was submitted in accord with NSF 92-122, Research Initiation Awards Program. ***
