Evaluation of high molecular weight PAH degradation by a pyrene-enriched microbial community in inoculated soils

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of ubiquitous environmental pollutants which have been detected in numerous aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems (Cemiglia, 1992). There is concern about the presence of these compounds in the environment as they have been shown to exhibit toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects (Mersch-Sundermann et al., 1992; Nylund et al., 1992). PAHs may enter the environment via many mechanisms; however, anthropogenic processes such as the combustion of fossil fuels, the accidental spilling of hydrocarbons and oils, coal gasification and liquefaction, wood treatment processes, open burning and the incineration of wastes are the major sources of PAHs in the environment (Guerin and Jones, 1988; Freeman and Cattell, 1990).