Recent Advances in Microbial Degradation of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminants and Bioremediation
Biological Treatment Technologies for Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Environment, CRC Press, ss.273-295, 2026
- Yayın Türü: Kitapta Bölüm / Araştırma Kitabı
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1201/9781003508496-14
- Yayınevi: CRC Press
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.273-295
- İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet
Özet
The petrochemical industry’s activities have led to hydrocarbon contamination, which is one of the main environmental issues facing society today due to rapid population growth and industrialization. The large class of chemicals known as petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) has generated a great deal of concern due to their potential for bioaccumulation, detrimental effects, and resistance to biodegradation. The primary causes of pollution in soil and water are hydrocarbons originating from petrochemical plants, oil refineries, human activity, and other sources. PHs, however, are among the most dangerous environmental pollutants and are rather resistant substances. n-Alkanes are significant components of hydrocarbons found in petroleum. The development of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering techniques has improved the design and maneuverability of n-alkane biodegradation as a means of addressing environmental pollution issues. The most promising approach for treating these contaminated sites is bioremediation because it is both economical and will result in full mineralization. Biological agents such as microorganisms can convert complex organic pollutants into simpler organic compounds or completely mineralize them into https://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> CO 2 , https://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> H 2 O , inorganic compounds, and cell proteins. This process is known as biodegradation, and it is the fundamental mechanism behind bioremediation. PH-degrading bacteria are abundant in nature and can use these chemicals as a source of carbon and energy. Bacteria with such capabilities are frequently used for the bioremediation of petroleum oil-contaminated settings. Microbial remediation technology has advanced quickly in recent years, making significant progress. These bacteria have long been recognized for their role in the biodegradation of hydrocarbons where they can naturally transform organic pollutants and can use them for energy, carbon, development, and replication. The ability of specific bacteria to biodegrade petro-hydrocarbons appears to be an adaptation that is influenced by a variety of ecological conditions. Because of their various chemical properties, hydrocarbons may have an impact on the microbial community. The structure of these communities and their resistance to hydrocarbon pollutants are critical factors in the process of petro-hydrocarbon biodegradation, which uses a variety of microbial groups. Bacterial and fungal strains are the primary species involved in crude oil biodegradation. Bacteria dominate the marine ecosystem, whereas fungi thrive in both freshwater and terrestrial environments. With reference to genetic alterations that result in mutations, the microbial adaptation mechanism also includes physical adaptation. The plasmid-bearing bacteria may become more frequently mutated due to genes linked to the plasmid DNA. Furthermore, there is a notable degree of success when utilizing microorganisms that consume hydrocarbons to seed petroleum-contaminated soil and water. Complex hydrocarbon pollutants require a specific combination of multiple microbial group types for biodegradation. This is mostly because the number of hydrocarbon substrates that may be metabolized by a single microbe is restricted. To improve the hydrocarbon degradation ratio, it is therefore highly desirable that the microorganisms have a broad range of enzymatic capabilities and engage in mixed cultivation (consortium).