Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Reviews Vol. 1 (2), pp. 38-50, June 2006
ISSN 1538-2273 © 2006 Academic Journals

Standard Review
 

Biodegradation alternative in the cleanup of petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants

Anthony I Okoh

Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5700, South Africa. Email: aokoh98@yahoo.com.

Accepted 29 May, 2006

Extensive petroleum hydrocarbon exploration activities often result in the pollution of the environment, which could lead to disastrous consequences for the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem if not restored. Remediation of petroleum-contaminated system could be achieved by either physicochemical or biological methods. However, the attendant negative consequences of the physicochemical approach are currently directing greater attention to the exploitation of the biological alternatives. This paper provides a review of the menace of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution and its biodegradation in the environment with the view of understanding the biodegradation processes for better exploitation in bioremediation challenges.

Key words: Petroleum hydrocarbon, pollution, environment, and biodegradation.