Biodegradation and Bioremediation of Organic Pollutants in Soil

This chapter reviews some of the major microbial degradation pathways of organic pollutants based on the chemical structures. It discusses the biodegradation of synthetic compounds with specific functions such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and plastics. The chapter focuses on the principles of metagenomics, various approaches to bioremediation, and the major environmental factors that affect the success of bioremediation. Petroleum hydrocarbons are among the most common sources of organic pollutions in the soil environment. Aromatic hydrocarbons constitute major components of petroleum hydrocarbons. The biodegradation pathway of alkenes is similar to alkanes in that the degradation process starts with an oxidation of the compounds by a monooxygenase enzyme. Chlorinated aromatics, including chlorobenzenes, chlorobenzoates, chlorophenols, and polychlorinated biphenyls, are major groups of halogenated aromatic pollutants in soil environments. Nitroaromatic compounds can be degraded both anaerobically and aerobically in soil environments. Degradation of chloroaromatics can be either aerobic or anaerobic.