Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the products of the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, are ubiquitous in nature. Some of these chemicals are of environmental concern because of their genotoxic and carcinogenic potential and their persistence in the environment. Over the last few decades, many investigators have focused on the biodegradation of these pollutants. Bioremediation technologies have been developed to clean up contaminated soils. A better understanding of the metabolism, enzyme mechanisms, and genetics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms is critical for the optimization of these bioremediation processes.