Surfactants and Bacterial Bioremediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil—Unlocking the Targets

Abstract

The activities of man produce significant levels of toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (PAHs), which have been identified as excellent candidates for biodegradative removal from contaminated sites. PAHs strongly sorb to soil particles and can also partition into a nonaqueous phase, often limiting bioavailability. In this context, synthetic surfactants and biosurfactants will be discussed as a means to mobilize and solubilize PAHs, potentially increasing bioavailability and subsequent microbial degradation. The fundamentals of bioremediation will be discussed as an important tool that can be used to reduce, remove, or attenuate pollutants at PAH-contaminated sites.

KEY WORDS:

• bioremediation
• PAHs
• biosurfactant
• bioavailability
• degradation pathway