Bacterial degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls

Abstract

Microbe bioremediation is the application of biological treatment to the cleanup of hazardous contaminants in soil and surface or subsurface waters. Normally microbe bioremediation treats organic contaminants. Most microbe bioremediation processes take advantage of indigenous microorganisms, although some rely on the introduction of bacterial or fungal strains. Bacterial digestion is the process of bacteria-consuming organic matter. The bacteria feed on the contamination, deriving nutrition for growth and reproduction. Undergoing complex chemical reactions, the waste is metabolized into the final metabolic waste products, water and carbon dioxide. This provides the bacteria with the energy they need to live. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.