Signature Metabolite Analysis to Determine In Situ Anaerobic Hydrocarbon Biodegradation

Abstract

Anaerobic hydrocarbon-biodegrading microorganisms can contribute substan- tially to the remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites such as groundwater aquifers. However, documenting that such in situ degradation actually occurs can be challenging. Identifying metabolites diagnostic for the anaerobic biodeg- radation of specific hydrocarbons within contaminant plumes is an approach that can be used to provide strong evidence for in situ anaerobic hydrocarbon biore- mediation. Here, we overview the key mechanisms of hydrocarbon metabolism under anoxic conditions, describe how metabolites identified in these pathways can be used to determine whether in situ biodegradation is occurring within hydrocarbon-containing environments, and summarize the reports documenting the successful use of diagnostic hydrocarbon metabolites to garner evidence in support of in situ bioremediation.