Engineered Intrinsic Bioremediation of Ammonium Perchlorate in Groundwater

Abstract : A variety of perchlorate remediation technologies are currently commercially available. One of them, biological degradation involves perchlorate reducing bacteria (PRBs), which are widespread in the environment. PRBs have the ability to grow in either the presence or absence of air, provided proper nutrients are available in the environment. Both in situ and ex situ biological treatment systems have already been applied at full scale to treat perchlorate contamination. Implementation of novel techniques such as optimization and creation of microbial consortia using the Genetic Algorithm have great potential to improve the existing technology. State-of-the-art tools of genomics and proteomics were developed that will allow sensitive, real-time monitoring of processes that remove perchlorate from the environment, such as facilitated remediation and monitored natural attenuation. The results presented suggest that genetic algorithms and environmental proteomics could become tools in environmental microbiology for an efficient control of the functioning of natural and undefined microbial ecosystems.