Biodegradation 

About: Biodegradation is an academic journal published by Springer Science+Business Media. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Biodegradation & Bioremediation. It has an ISSN identifier of 0923-9820. Over the lifetime, 1690 publications have been published receiving 69672 citations. The journal is also known as: bio-degradation.

Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract: The intent of this review is to provide an outline of the microbial degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. A catabolically diverse microbial community, consisting of bacteria, fungi and algae, metabolizes aromatic compounds. Molecular oxygen is essential for the initial hydroxylation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by microorganisms. In contrast to bacteria, filamentous fungi use hydroxylation as a prelude to detoxification rather than to catabolism and assimilation. The biochemical principles underlying the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are examined in some detail. The pathways of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon catabolism are discussed. Studies are presented on the relationship between the chemical structure of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and the rate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

The biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbons by bacteria

Abstract: Aromatic compounds of both natural and man-made sources abound in the environment. The degradation of such chemicals is mainly accomplished by microorganisms. This review provides key background information but centres on recent developments in the bacterial degradation of selected man-made aromatic compounds. An aromatic compound can only be considered to be biodegraded if the ring undergoes cleavage, and this is taken as the major criteria for inclusion in this review (although the exact nature of the enzymic ring-cleavage has not been confirmed in all cases discussed).

Bioaugmentation and biostimulation strategies to improve the effectiveness of bioremediation processes.

Abstract: Bioremediation, involving bioaugmentation and/or biostimulation, being an economical and eco-friendly approach, has emerged as the most advantageous soil and water clean-up technique for contaminated sites containing heavy metals and/or organic pollutants. Addition of pre-grown microbial cultures to enhance the degradation of unwanted compounds (bioaugmentation) and/or injection of nutrients and other supplementary components to the native microbial population to induce propagation at a hastened rate (biostimulation), are the most common approaches for in situ bioremediation of accidental spills and chronically contaminated sites worldwide. However, many factors like strain selection, microbial ecology, type of contaminant, environmental constraints, as well as procedures of culture introduction, may lead to their failure. These drawbacks, along with fragmented literature, have opened a gap between laboratory trials and on-field application. The present review discusses the effectiveness as well as the limitations of bioaugmentation and biostimulation processes. A summary of experimental studies both in confined systems under controlled conditions and of real case studies in the field is presented. A comparative account between the two techniques and also the current scenario worldwide for in situ biotreatment using bioaugmentation and biostimulation, are addressed.

Biodegradation and removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in treatment systems: a review.

Abstract: Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have been the focus of much recent research as concerns rise about their occurrence in bodies of water worldwide. In an effort to characterize the risk and determine the prevalence of these micropollutants in lakes and rivers, many researchers are examining PPCP removal from impaired water during wastewater treatment and water recycling (soil passage) processes. Biodegradation studies and projects considering combinations of biodegradation and other removal processes have been conducted over a wide range of compound categories and therapeutic classes, as well as across different systems and scales of study. This review summarizes the extent of PPCP removal observed in these various systems.

Microbial degradation of tannins--a current perspective.

Abstract: Tannins are water-soluble polyphenolic compounds having wide prevalence in plants. Hydrolysable and condensed tannins are the two major classes of tannins. These compounds have a range of effects on various organisms--from toxic effects on animals to growth inhibition of microorganisms. Some microbes are, however, resistant to tannins, and have developed various mechanisms and pathways for tannin degradation in their natural milieu. The microbial degradation of condensed tannins is, however, less than hydrolysable tannins in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. A number of microbes have also been isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of animals, which have the ability to break tannin-protein complexes and degrade tannins, especially hydrolysable tannins. Tannase, a key enzyme in the degradation of hydrolysable tannins, is present in a diverse group of microorganisms, including rumen bacteria. This enzyme is being increasingly used in a number of processes. Presently, there is a need for increased understanding of the biodegradation of condensed tannins, particularly in ruminants.