Reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethene by two compost samples with different maturity

► Microcosms were set up to evaluate PCE dechlorination efficiency by two compost samples with different maturity. ► The less matured compost samples could dechlorinate high concentration (300 μM) PCE to ethene within 180 days of incubation. ► The initial PCE concentration had significant effect on PCE dechlorination efficiency. ► Compost could provide enough buffer capacity for PCE dechlorination. ► Methanogens and sulfur reducers are responsible for PCE dechlorination in compost samples.