Microbial degradation of hydrocarbons in the ecosystem

Abstract

Hydrocarbon contamination from neurotoxic and carcinogenic pollutants is a major environmental problem. One of the best and most cost-effective technologies to clean up these pollutants is bioremediation. Bioremediation is a treatment that breaks down these hazardous chemicals into less toxic or nontoxic substances. In bioremediation, various types of microorganisms are used to decompose petroleum compounds into carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic compounds and complex organic contaminants into simpler organic compounds. This chapter presents an updated overview of petroleum hydrocarbon degradation by microorganisms in different ecosystems.