Simultaneous abiotic reduction–biotic oxidation in a microbial-MnO2-catalyzed Fenton-like system

The possibility of simultaneous activity of superoxide-mediated transformations and heterotrophic aerobic bacterial metabolism was investigated in catalyzed H2O2 propagations (CHP; i.e., modified Fenton's reagent) systems containing Escherichia coli. Two probe compounds were used: glucose for the detection of heterotrophic metabolism of E. coli, and tetrachloromethane (CCl4) for the detection of superoxide generated in a MnO2-catalyzed CHP system. In the MnO2-catalyzed CHP system without bacteria, only CCl4 loss was observed; in contrast, only glucose degradation occurred E. coli systems without CHP reagents. In combined microbial-MnO2 CHP reactions, loss of both probes was observed. Glucose assimilation decreased and CCl4 transformation increased as a function of H2O2 concentration. Central composite rotatable experimental designs were used to determine that the conditions providing maximum simultaneous abiotic–biotic reactions were a biomass level of 109 CFU/mL, 0.5 mM H2O2, and 0.5 g MnO2. These results demonstrate that bacterial metabolism can occur in the presence of superoxide-mediated transformations. Such coexisting reactions may occur when H2O2 is injected into MnO2-rich regions of the subsurface as a microbial oxygen source or for in situ oxidation; however, process control of such coexisting transformations may be difficult to achieve in the subsurface due to heterogeneity. Alternatively, hybrid abiotic reduction–biotic oxidation systems could be used for the treatment of industrial effluents or dilute solvent wastes that contain traces of highly halogenated compounds.

Research highlights
► H2O2 decomposition catalyzed by MnO2 generates superoxide anion.
► Bacterial metabolism can coexist with superoxide-mediated transformations.
► Such coexisting reactions may occur when H2O2 is injected into the subsurface.
► Hybrid abiotic–biotic systems have potential for waste treatment applications.