Microbial degradation and enhanced bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are found in various contaminated sites and attract great environmental concerns due to their toxic and carcinogenic properties. Although the microbial degradation is known as a major removal mechanism, the rate is relatively slow in natural environment. Therefore, acceleration of the intrinsic biodegradation rate is essential for the rapid and cost-effective removal of PAHs from the contaminated site. There are a number of factors affecting bioremediation of PAHs in a system consisting of soil, water, microorganisms, and pollutants. In this report, an overview of PAHs contamination, the important factors affecting their biodegradation, and recently developed technologies enhancing the bioremediation rate are discussed.