Microbial oxidation of 1,2-dichloroethane under anoxic conditions with nitrate as electron acceptor in mixed and pure cultures.

Many organisms have been found to readily oxidize the prevalent contaminant 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) to CO2 under aerobic conditions. Some organisms have also been isolated that can reduce 1,2-DCA to ethene via dihaloelimination under anaerobic, fermentative conditions. However, none have been described that can metabolize 1,2-DCA under anoxic, nitrate-reducing conditions.