Chloroform Respiration: Breathing Life into Toxic Environments 

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. ET

Abstract

Chloroform is a common groundwater contaminant derived from its historical uses as a solvent, anesthetic, and chemical feedstock. Long regarded as a potent microbial toxin, chloroform was thought to inhibit biological treatment processes in contaminated aquifers, making bioremediation unfeasible. However, recent discoveries of specialized Dehalobacter and Desulfitobacterium strains capable of chloroform respiration using highly conserved reductive dehalogenase enzymes allow for the removal of chloroform, thereby alleviating its inhibitory effect in contaminated groundwater. This webinar traces the discovery of these bacteria and the characterization of the unique properties of the chloroform reductive dehalogenase. 

The Presenters

Phil DennisSenior Principal Molecular Biologist, SiREM
Phil is a Senior Principal Molecular Biologist and a founding member of SiREM. He is based in Guelph, Canada, and brings more than 30 years of experience in research and management of molecular biology, microbiology, and environmental remediation laboratories. At SiREM, he focuses on managing research and development and directing molecular genetic testing services.
Matthew Lee, PhD Senior Professional, Geosyntec
Matt is a Senior Professional Scientist based in Perth, Australia, with more than 20 years of experience in anaerobic microbiology and environmental chemistry. He characterizes anaerobic microorganisms that transform toxic anthropogenic substances into environmentally benign end products and brings expertise researching degraded halogenated organic pollution in anoxic groundwater and soil.