Distribution of Dehalococcoides 16S rRNA and Dehalogenase Genes in Contaminated Sites

Abstract

Understanding the spatial distribution of Dehalococcoides and its reductive dehalogenase genes in sediment is important for bioremediation of sites contaminated with chlorinated ethylenes. A total of 56 sediment samples were collected from four contaminated sites in Japan, and quantified copies of Dehalococcoides 16S rRNA and reductive dehalogenase genes: tceA, bvcA, and vcrA, as well as chlorinated ethylenes. Dehalococcoides was detected from 22 sediment samples with various geological formations, textures and saturation conditions. The