MICROBIAL DENITROGENATION OF FOSSIL-FUELS

The microbial degradation of nitrogen compounds from fossil fuels is i mportant because of the contribution these contaminants make to the fo rmation of nitrogen oxides (NO,) and hence to air pollution and acid r ain. They also contribute to catalyst poisoning during the refining of crude oil, thus reducing process yields. We review the current status of microbial degradation of aromatic nitrogen compounds and discuss t he potential of microbial processes to alleviate these problems.