Chlorinated methane transformation by a methanogen derived biomolecule

The biomolecule activity (the rate of carbon tetrachloride (CT) transformation and the ability to transform chloroform (CF)) under a variety of pH, reduction potential, and temperature was determined. Examination of the effect of pH on biomolecule activity showed that the activity is greater under alkaline conditions. At Ph 8.5, CT and CF were rapidly degraded by the excreted biomolecule, but at ph 5.5, CF degradation was inhibited and CT was not degraded significantly faster than in medium controls. In an oxidized environment, biomolecule activity was inhibited. Rereduction of the biomolecule after oxidation returned limited CT degradation activity, but CF transformation was permanently inhibited. The biomolecule from Methanosarcina thermophila could be used as a catalyst for the remediation of CT and CF contaminated waters.