Effectiveness of tetrahydrofuran at enhancing the 1,4-dioxane degradation ability of activated sludge lacking prior exposure to 1,4-dioxane.

1,4-dioxane (DX) is a contaminant of emerging concern in water environments. The enrichment of DX-degrading bacteria indigenous to activated sludge is key for the efficient biological removal of DX in wastewater. To identify an effective substrate, which enables the selective enrichment of DX-degrading bacteria and has lower toxicity and persistence than DX, this study explored the effectiveness of tetrahydrofuran (THF) at enhancing the DX degradation ability of activated sludge without historical exposure to DX.

Carbon sources that enable enrichment of 1,4-dioxane-degrading bacteria in landfill leachate.

1,4-Dioxane (DX) is a recalcitrant cyclic ether that has gained attention as an emerging pollutant in the aquatic environment. Enrichment of indigenous DX-degrading bacteria, which are considered to be minor populations even in DX-impacted environments, is the key for efficient biological DX removal. Therefore, this study aimed to explore carbon sources applicable for the enrichment of DX-degrading bacteria present in landfill leachate, which is a potential source of DX pollution.