Transformation of cis-1,2-Dichlororethylene and its Epoxide by a Butane-Grown Mixed Culture

Aerobic cometabolism of cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (c-DCE) and c-DCE epoxide by a butane-grown mixed culture was evaluated. Transformation of c-DCE resulted in the concomitant generation of c-DCE epoxide. Chloride release studies showed nearly complete oxidative dechlorination of c-DCE (approximately 75%). Mass spectrometry confirmed tile presence of a compound with mass-to-charge-fragment ratios of 112, 83, 48, and 35. The values are in agreement with the spectra of a chemically synthesized c-DCE epoxide. Some evidences indicating the involvement of the monooxygenase in the transformation of c-DCE epoxide are: 1) $O_2$ requirement for c-DCE transformation and butane degradation; 2) butane inhibition on c-DCE transformation and vice versa; 3) the inactivation of c-DCE and c-DCE epoxide transformations by acetylene (a known monooxygenase inactivator); and 4) tire inhibition of c-DCE epoxide transformation by c-DCE.