Mycobacterium as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Degrader

Abstract

The genus Mycobacterium has the ability to degrade various environmental pollutants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Mycobacterium has an ability to withstand adverse environmental conditions and it has been considered for future bio- remediation applications for the removal of PAH contaminants from crude oil–polluted sites. The degradation of PAHs using a cost-effective laboratory microcosm system was discussed. The various conditions such as environmental habitat, degradation behavior, enzymatic mechanisms, and ecological survival are thoroughly discussed in this chapter. Based on the above study, Mycobacterium has proved to be a better candidate in bioreme- diation of PAH-contaminated sites. Keywords: