Biostimulation enhanced the biotic degradation of hexabromocyclododecane in sediments

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate biodegradation of γ-hexabromocyclododecane (γ-HBCDD) under conditions mimicking three bioremediation strategies: (i) biostimulation: addition of sodium formate and ethanol to stimulate biodegradation as the carbon source and electron donor, respectively; (ii) bioaugmentation: addition of an enrichment culture of Dehalobium chlorocoercia strain DF-1; and (iii) natural attenuation: no amendments. To differentiate between biotic and abiotic mechanisms affecting γ-HBCDD degradation, four control microcosms were set up as sterile, negative, abiotic, and contaminant control.