Long-term anaerobic conversion of lindane by electrochemically generated hydrogen
Wang, Guanxiong (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental)
Fernandez Verdejo, David Juan (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental)
Marco Urrea, Ernest (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental)
Guisasola, Albert (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental)
Blánquez Cano, Paqui (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament d'Enginyeria Química, Biològica i Ambiental)

Date:	2026
Abstract:	Lindane (γ‑HCH) persists in many aquifers where electron‑donor scarcity limits reductive dechlorination. Here we present a long‑term (116 d) microbial electrochemical technology (MET) that supplies cathodic H₂ to sustain lindane biotransformation. Sequentially decreasing the graphite‑brush cathode potential from −0. 6 to −0. 7 and −0. 8 V versus SHE raised headspace H₂ from < 0. 1% to > 1% (v/v) and accelerated lindane degradation rates. Product inhibition led by the accumulation of monochlorobenzene and benzene stalled the culture. The application of three 15‑min N₂ flushing cycles restored activity each time and boosted the removal rate from 33. 3 ± 1. 2 (µM/d) to 85. 3 ± 4. 5 (µM/d) at −0. 8 V. The value of the poised cathodic potential also affected the product distribution ratio of monochlorobenzene to benzene. Thus, the MET did not just provide a source of electrons but also seems to have an impact on the transformation pathway of lindane. 16S‑rRNA profiling revealed a biocathode dominated by Shewanella (14. 6 ± 5. 8%) and Pseudomonas (35. 0 ± 8. 2%), two genera potentially involved either in the direct transformation of lindane or in establishing an interspecies electron transfer network that enhances its reduction.
Grants:	Agencia Estatal de Investigación PID2022–138929OB-I00 Generalitat de Catalunya 2021/SGR-01008 Generalitat de Catalunya 2021/SGR-00515
Note:	Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UAB
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Subject:	Lindane ; Microbial electrochemical technology ; Reductive dechlorination ; Hydrogen ; Microbial community ; Shewanella ; Pseudomonas
Published in:	Journal of hazardous materials, Vol. 512 (July 2026) , art. 142242, ISSN 1873-3336

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.142242

8 p, 2.5 MB

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Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Engineering > GENOCOV
Articles > Research articles
Articles > Published articles