MICROORGANISMS AND METABOLIC PATHWAYS FOR REMEDIATION OF PAH CONTAMINATED SOIL

In bioremediation, natural microorganisms present at the contaminated site are used in the controlled degradation and detoxification of cont aminants. Most wastes/contaminants can be degraded by this natural pro cess; however, natural processes are often very slow. In order to faci litate the process and to allow biodegradation in situations where inh erent microorganisms cannot be used, specific strains of bacteria/fung i are employed. In this type of controlled bioremediation, the proper environment requiring the control of aeration, pH, temperature, nutrie nts, surfactants, etc. is provided to further enhance the overall proc ess. This paper will summarize recent research in the bioremediation o f soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Spec ifically, the types of bacteria and fungi used most frequently as well as a description of possible metabolic pathways for degradation is di scussed.