MICROORGANISMS AND METABOLIC PATHWAYS FOR REMEDIATION OF PAH CONTAMINATED SOIL

In bioremediation, natural microorganisms present at the contaminated site are used in the controlled degradation and detoxification of contaminants. Most wastes/contaminants can be degraded by this natural process; however, natural processes are often very slow. In order to facilitate the process and to allow biodegradation in situations where inherent microorganisms cannot be used, specific strains of bacteria/fungi are employed. In this type of controlled bioremediation, the proper environment requiring the control of aeration, pH, temperature, nutrients, surfactants, etc. is provided to further enhance the overall process. This paper will summarize recent research in the bioremediation of soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Specifically, the types of bacteria and fungi used most frequently as well as a description of possible metabolic pathways for degradation is discussed.