Biodegradation of perchloroethylene and chlorophenol co-contamination and toxic effect on activated sludge performance

This study investigated the effects of PCE and 2-CP co-contamination on growth of microbial community in terms of enzymatic activity and microbial diversity in activated sludge. Results showed that the activities of three key enzymes (dehydrogenase, phosphatase and urease) decreased significantly when PCE (in the range of 5–150 mg/L) was mixed with 2-CP (in the range of 25–150 mg/L). Especially, activity of dehydrogenase decreased by more than 93% as the concentration of PCE and 2-CP both reached 150 mg/L. PCR–DGGE revealed that short-term exposure with PCE and 2-CP did not lead to shift in the microbial community structure, while clone library demonstrated a significant change in the microbial diversity after long-term exposure. As the population of Alphaproteobacteria and Gamaproteobacteria decreased, with Actinobacteria eventually disappeared, species including Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Synergistetes became dominating groups. This study demonstrated that co-contamination with PCE and 2-CP affected the performance of activated sludge in a significant way.

► Dehydrogenase more sensitive than urease and phosphatase in PCE and 2-CP.
► PCE and 2-CP co-contamination much more toxic than single pollutant.
► Short-term exposure of PCE and 2-CP not significantly effect on activated sludge.
► Long-term exposure significantly changed microbial community diversity.