Reductive Dechlorination is Important in the Breakdown of Chlorinated Xenobiotics

Question

Reductive dechlorination is important in the breakdown of chlorinated xenobiotics because
A) anoxic conditions develop rapidly in polluted habitats and reductive dechlorination can take place in these conditions.
B) reductive dechlorination breaks down all halogen compounds.
C) aerobic breakdown of xenobiotics is not possible under any circumstances.
D) these compounds do not leach into groundwater or sediment.

Accepted Answer

Reductive dechlorination can take place under anoxic conditions, which develop in polluted habitats. This process is particularly important for breaking down chlorinated xenobiotics, as aerobic breakdown is not always possible.