SEQUENTIAL CHEMICAL BIOLOGICAL OXIDATION OF 2-CHLOROPHENOL

The feasibility of preozonation with subsequent biodegradation as an alternative treatment of 2-chlorophenol was investigated. The major ozonation byproduct of 2-chlorophenol was chlorosuccinic acid which was oxidized to oxalic acid upon further ozonation. Only chlorosuccinic acid sustained substantial growth of Pseudomonas putida during batch biodegradation experiments compared with a blank, 2-chlorophenol, and oxalic acid. Accordingly, based on the results obtained with this model system, preozonation of persistent compounds can result in an increased extent of mineralization. However, care must be exercised in the chemical oxidation process to prevent formation of secondary refractory intermediates.