Use of specific gene analysis to assess the effectiveness of surfactant-enhanced trichloroethylene cometabolism

► Application of gene analysis for TCE-degrading enzyme screening is a necessity before in situ bioremediation is applied. ► SG and SL can serve as the TCE dissolution agent and primary substrates for indigenous microorganisms. ► Surfactant enhanced cometabolism can effectively biodegrade TCE and obtain a more thorough TCE remediation. ► Rhodobacter sp., Methyloversatilis sp., Beta proteobacterium sp., and Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava observed in microcosms might produce TCE-degrading enzymes.