Remediation of trichloromethane-contaminated soil and groundwater using microorganisms and iron-based materials: A review

Abstract

New pollutants have become a significant concern in China's efforts toward ecological and environmental protection. Trichloromethane (TCM, CHCl₃), one of these new pollutants, is primarily released into soil and groundwater through various industrial activities. Over the past four decades, researchers have consistently focused on the remediation of TCM-contaminated soil and groundwater using microorganisms and iron-based materials, which hold significant potential for practical application. Understanding the remediation process and the factors influencing TCM degradation through these two methods is crucial for advancing both theoretical research and practical implementation. This review focuses on the degradation mechanisms of TCM in soil and groundwater by microorganisms and iron-based materials. It summarizes the active microorganisms and modified iron-based materials with high TCM degradation capabilities, discusses enhancement measures for both methods in the remediation process, and finally, outlines the challenges faced by these methods. The goal is to provide theoretical references for efficient remediation of TCM-contaminated soil and groundwater.