Anaerobic biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbons: pathways and prospects.
Aromatic hydrocarbons contaminate many environments worldwide, and their removal often relies on microbial bioremediation. Whereas aerobic biodegradation has been well studied for decades, anaerobic hydrocarbon biodegradation is a nascent field undergoing rapid shifts in concept and scope. This review presents known metabolic pathways used by microbes to degrade aromatic hydrocarbons using various terminal electron acceptors; an outline of the few catabolic genes and enzymes currently characterized; and speculation about current and potential applications for anaerobic degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons.
Foght
Julia
J
Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton Alta., Canada. julia.foght@ualberta.ca
D000693:Anaerobiosis; D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000378:metabolism; D006841:Hydrocarbons, Aromatic / Q000378:metabolism*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006841:Hydrocarbons, Aromatic