FURI | Spring 2026

Growth Kinetics and Oxygen Tolerance of Trichlorobacter lovleyi During Chlorinated Solvent Reduction

Chlorinated solvents such as tetrachloroethene (PCE) persist in soil and groundwater and pose environmental risks. T. lovleyi, an anaerobic bacterium used in bioremediation, may experience reduced performance in environments with oxygen intrusion. This research investigates how low oxygen concentrations affect its growth kinetics and contaminant reduction capabilities. Experimental conditions compare anaerobic and oxygen-exposed systems while measuring growth, PCE degradation, and cellular responses. Understanding oxygen tolerance in this organism will help improve the reliability and efficiency of bioremediation strategies in subsurface environments with fluctuating redox conditions.