Biodegradation of high-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons under anaerobic conditions: Overview of studies, proposed pathways and future perspectives

Environmental Pollution
Alexis Nzila

Abstract

The biodegradation of low- and high-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (LWM-PAHs and HMW-PAHs, respectively) has been studied extensively under aerobic conditions. Molecular O2 plays 2 critical roles in this biodegradation process. O2 activates the aromatic rings through hydroxylation prior to ring opening and serves as a terminal electron acceptor (TEA). However, several microorganisms have devised ways of activating aromatic rings, leading to ring opening (and thus biodegradation) when TEAs other than O2 are used (under anoxic conditions). These microorganisms belong to the sulfate-, nitrate-, and metal-ion-reducing bacteria and the methanogens. Although the anaerobic biodegradation of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and LWM-PAH naphthalene have been studied, little information is available about the biodegradation of HMW-PAHs. This manuscript reviews studies of the anaerobic biodegradation of HMW-PAHs and identifies gaps that limit both our understanding and the efficiency of this biodegradation process. Strategies that can be employed to overcome these limitations are also discussed.

Citations

Sep 11, 2019·Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology·Jia-Hui LinShuang Li
Dec 14, 2018·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Alexis Nzila
Jun 11, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Marie DavinGilles Colinet
Jan 6, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Alexis Nzila, Musa M Musa
Mar 13, 2021·Environmental Pollution·Marie DavinMarie-Laure Fauconnier
May 1, 2021·Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology·Thomas MainkaStefan Pflügl
Jun 3, 2021·Molecules : a Journal of Synthetic Chemistry and Natural Product Chemistry·Tao ChenXiaohong Cui
Jul 25, 2021·The Science of the Total Environment·Manuel Méndez García, Martha Patricia García de Llasera
Jul 29, 2021·Environmental Technology·Zaisheng YanHuifang Wu
Aug 25, 2021·Chemosphere·Lucélia CabralLara Durães Sette

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