Bioaugmentation Cultures
Newman Zone SDC-9
Bioaugmentation culture for groundwater remediation
SDC-9 is a field-proven consortium of microorganisms used for in situ bioremediation of chlorinated solvents. It contains multiple strains of Dehalococcoides mccartyi (Dhc), the only species known to completely biodegrade PCE and TCE to non-toxic ethene.
For sites where Dhc are absent or present at low concentrations, SDC-9 provides the bacteria needed for complete dechlorination. Even where Dhc is already present, bioaugmentation can improve dechlorination rates, use electron donor more efficiently, and help reach site closure sooner.
Why Newman Zone SDC-9
Many native anaerobic microbes can reduce PCE and TCE to DCE, but only Dehalococcoides mccartyi (Dhc) can reliably reduce DCE to ethene. When native Dhc populations are absent or present at low concentrations, bioaugmentation with SDC-9 helps ensure complete dechlorination of chloroethenes to ethene.
Originally isolated from a California aquifer in 2002, SDC-9 is an anaerobic mixed culture enriched on lactate and PCE. The culture contains multiple strains of Dhc along with supporting dechlorinating and non-pathogenic microbes that promote Dhc growth and activity.
First commercially available in 2003, SDC-9 has been applied at thousands of remediation sites worldwide with hundreds of thousands of liters delivered for anaerobic bioaugmentation projects.
Studies have shown that “Dhc in mixed cultures exhibit shorter lag times following transfers, grow faster, and exhibit higher dechlorination rates than pure Dhc cultures.” — Bioaugmentation for Groundwater Remediation (2013)
Complete Dechlorination
Provides multiple strains of Dehalococcoides mccartyi (Dhc) needed to fully convert chlorinated solvents from DCE to ethene.
Higher Dechlorination Rates
Contains a natural consortium of supporting microbes that help Dhc establish faster, shorten lag time, and improve dechlorination rates compared with pure cultures.
Low pH Tolerant
SDC-9 culture is grown at pH 6.0. Still active at pH 5.5 although with a 10x lower dechlorination rate than at pH 6.1. Optimal pH 6.5-8.5.
Field-Proven Culture
Used for in situ bioaugmentation where native Dhc are absent, or present at low concentrations. Successfully applied at thousands of sites around the world.
Technical Details
How it Works
1. SDC-9 delivers multiple strains of Dehalococcoides mccartyi (Dhc) and other beneficial microorganisms to the treatment zone.
2. Supports Reductive Dechlorination
Supporting microbes produce molecular hydrogen from electron donors fermentation. Dhc microbes use molecular hydrogen as an electron donor and chloroethenes as an electron acceptor for complete dechlorination to ethene.
3. Improves Treatment Performance
Bioaugmentation with SDC-9 can accelerate in situ treatment of chlorinated ethenes , improve electron donor efficiency, and support complete dechlorination to harmless ethene.
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Application & Handling
- Commonly injected with anaerobic water chase water or co-injected with anaerobic water and electron donors
- This approach minimizes oxygen exposure while helping distribute SDC-9 throughout the treatment area
- Recommended dosing is 1 × 10⁷ Dhc cells per liter or higher in the injection fluid.
Contaminants Treated:
PCE, TCE, cis-DCE, trans-DCE, 1,1-DCE, Vinyl chloride, Freon 11, Freon 113, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethane, Carbon tetrachloride, Chloroform, Dichloromethane, HCFC, Tetrafluoroethene
Culture Characteristics
- Cell count: >1 × 10¹¹ Dhc cells/L
pH: 6.0–8.0 - Density: 0.9–1.1 g/cm³
- Appearance: light greenish, murky liquid
- Odor: musty
Packaging & Storage
- 19 L stainless steel kegs
- Pressurized with nitrogen
- A basic dispensing system provided by APTIM (see manual). An inert gas regulator and a small tank of argon or nitrogen need to be provided by the user.
- RNAS Microdosing system (Microdosing equipment page link) allows for more precise measurement of small volumes of culture. Includes an inert gas regulator, refrigerant scale, valve box and micro-dose measuring system. A small tank of nitrogen or argon needs to be provided by the user.
Storage:
- Store at 2–4°C, culture activity rapidly deteriorates at higher temperatures
- Shelf life up to 3 weeks or more when on ice or refrigerated
- Avoid freezing
- Avoid exposure to oxygen
Safety
Non-toxic, non-pathogenic, non-genetically modified microbial consortium. No known hazards under normal use conditions. PPE recommended during handling.
Need help planning a bioaugmentation program?
Talk with our team about dosing, injection sequencing, and integrating SDC-9 with anaerobic water and electron donors.