Surfactant-mediated Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic environmental pollutants that are known or suspected carcinogens or mutagens. Bioremediation has been used as a general way to eliminate them from the contaminated sites or aquifers, but their biodegradation is rather limited due to their low bioavailability because of their sparingly soluble nature. Surfactant-mediated biodegradation is a promising alternative. The presence of surfactants can increase the solubility of PAHs and hence potentially increase their bioavailability. However, inconclusive results have been reported on the effects of surfactant on the biodegradation of PAHs. In this work, surfactant-mediated biodegradation of PAHs is reviewed.

Memory Effect of Aquatic Biofilms in the Partitioning of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Water Streams

“…Some published investigations are also focused on the effect of surfactants on desorption and biodegradation of the compounds in aquatic biofilms [86], [87]. This aspect was not debated here, but the presence of surfactants in the water phase during desorption, it is expected to decrease the value of the memory effect.…”

From Soybean Phytosterols to Steroid Hormones

“…However, synthetic surfactants and emulsifiers are generally toxic to bacteria. They can solubilize cell membranes and induce enzymatic disorders, leading to necrosis and cell lysis (Li & Chen, 2009). In recent years, biosurfactants and bioemulsifiers have emerged as alternatives to synthetic surfactants and emulsifiers.…”

“…They have attracted attention for their biocompatibility with cells. In natural environments, many bacteria secrete biosurfactants or bioemulsifiers to render minimally water-soluble carbon sources accessible (Li & Chen, 2009, Perfumo, et al, 2010. Mycolate-containing actinobacteria such as Rhodococcus, Corynebacterium, Mycobacterium, and Nocarida have a catabolic capacity for phytosterols and have been shown to have the ability to produce biosurfactants (Perfumo, et al, 2010).…”

Isolation and Characterization of Biosurfactant-Producing Bacteria Isolated From Petroleum Contaminated Sites With the Potential to Be Used in Bioremediation

“…In addition, biosurfactant also can reduce the surface tensions and interfacial tensions as it accumulating the hydrophobic compound in the micelles along the air-liquid and liquidliquid interfaces, which then improved the mass-transfer of hydrophobic pollutants from a solid or non-aqueous liquid phase into aqueous phase [5]. Therefore, biosurfactant are suitable to be used in wide range of applications including enhancing oil recovery in petroleum industries; in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries and also in bioremediation processes.…”