The optimization of poly(vinyl)-alcohol-alginate beads with a slow-release compound for the aerobic cometabolism of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons.

Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs), such as -1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE), are prevalent in groundwater at many locations throughout the United States. When immobilized in hydrogel beads with slow-release compounds, the bacteria strain ATCC 21198 can be used for the bioremediation of DCE. These hydrogel beads must exhibit high mechanical strength and resist degradation to extend the lifetime of slow-release compounds and bioremediation.