ABSTRACT
Reductive transformations can be distinguished from other processes by determining if a change in the oxidation state of the atoms involved in the reaction process has occurred. Reductive transformations are most conveniently categorized according to the type of functional group that is reduced. The reductive transformation of halogenated aliphatic and aromatic compounds appears to be a general phenomenon that occurs in reducing environments. Generally, reductive dehalogenation of halogenated aromatics occurs at a slower rate than their aliphatic counterparts, and usually requires direct microbial mediation. Reductive dehalogenation for chlorinated phenols and anilines in sediment-and aquifer-water slurries appears to be regioselective. The reaction products resulting from the reduction of nitroaromatic compounds are aromatic amines. Laboratory studies suggest that electron-mediated reductions may not be limited to environmental systems containing natural organic matter. The reduction kinetics for the dyes were found to be zero-order with respect to dye concentration.
