The genus Dehalogenimonas

Abstract

The genus Dehalogenimonas is a relatively recently described taxonomic group whose members grow via organohalide respiration. Members of the genus are able to couple growth with the reductive dehalogenation of a variety of polychlorinated alkanes including 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,2-dichloropropane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, and 1,2,3-trichloropropane. Strains of the genus are strictly anaerobic, mesophilic, Gram-negative staining, and non-spore-forming, with cells that are small, irregular cocci. This chapter reviews the current state of knowledge regarding the genus and the growing body of evidence that suggests that this genus can play an important role in dechlorinating anthropogenic contaminants in environmental systems.