Microbial community characterization of a biokinetics study on the biotransformation of lindane (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane) by an anaerobic microbial culture

Lindane, the gamma isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), was widely applied as an insecticide before it was gradually phased out due to its toxicity, carcinogenicity, and environmental persistence. In this project, the biokinetics of an anaerobic lindane-degrading culture was systematically studied using a batch experiment and numerical modelling. The microbial community structure in DNA samples was tracked through Illumina 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to assist in modelling the interrelationship between key functional microbial groups and their respective biokinetics.