Microbial Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in the Aquatic Environment*
Carl E. Cerniglia, Michael A. Heitkamp
Abstract
Microorganisms play an important role in recycling of elements such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen, and sulfur and in the degradation of organic compounds to carbon dioxide and water in nature. The cyclic conversion of organic carbon to carbon dioxide with the concomitant reduction of molecular oxygen involves the combined metabolic activities of many different microorganisms. The remarkable catalytic ability of microorganisms to degrade a wide array of organic compounds has created an explosion of interest in the use of microorganisms in pollution abatement and in mitigating environmental damage. Micro-organisms have adapted to the wide array of natural and synthetic organic compounds emitted into the environment and possess enzymes that utilize some of these compounds as nutrients.