Progresses in anaerobic microbial degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract:

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are harmful persistent organic pollutants and extremely detrimental to the ecological environment and human health. Biodegradation represents the major route to remove PAHs and other organic chemicals from contaminated environments. Many aerobic bacteria capable of PAHs degradation have been isolated and characterized. However, little is known about their fate in the absence of oxygen. There is an increasing number of investigations of anaerobic degradation of PAHs under various reducing conditions. This paper reviews recent studies of the anaerobic PAHs-biodegradation and identifies limitations that block our understanding of this process. Strategies that can be used to promote the biodegradation efficiency are also discussed.