Effect of chloroethene concentrations and granular activated carbon on reductive dechlorination rates and growth of Dehalococcoides spp.

► PCE concentrations up to 70 mg/L are reductively dechlorinated by a mixed culture. ► Above 70 mg/L PCE reductive dechlorination is possible only with activated carbon. ► Activated carbon decreases PCE bioavailability causing faster ethene formation. ► Thermally and chemically activated carbons show different PCE adsorption isotherms.