Abstract: An improved method for the degradation of haloaliphatic compounds using induced cells of sulfate reducing anaerobic bacterium, particularly Desulfomonile tiedjei, is described. The cells are induced using 1,3-substituted phenyl compounds, particularly 3-halobenzoates, such as 3-fluorobenzoate which are gratuitous inducers and thus are not dehalogenated. The result is a much more rapid dehalogenation of the haloaliphatic compounds than was achieved by prior art methods using uninduced cells.

Abstract: Chromium in solid waste residues may be immobilized by reduction of essentially all of the Cr(VI) to insoluble Cr(III). The Cr(VI) is separated from the solids by contacting with an acid to produce an aqueous solution having a pH of about 6.5 to 9.5, then adding sulfate-reducing anaerobic bacteria and, as required, a source of sulfates and nutrients for the growth of the bacteria. Where the solid residues are below the surface of the soil, a continuous recirculation may be established to extract Cr(VI), treat the resulting solution above grade to reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III), and return the treated solution to the soil.