HC-0B-06: Biodegradation of Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons and associated derivatives are unavoidably common in the environment. The use of crude oils, petrol, diesel, heavy oils, lubricants etc. has continued to cause widespread aquatic, terrestrial and even atmospheric pollution. Considering the importance of hydrocarbons in various industries, its occurrence in natural and blended forms is inevitable. However, possible recovery of systems contaminated with hydrocarbons has given rise to the interest on the degradation of hydrocarbons, especially in a biologically-driven process known as biodegradation. Therefore, the Chapter will provide an overview of the basic behaviour of hydrocarbons in the environment, chances of biological degradation and factors pivotal for biodegradability. Similarly, among other issues related to biodegradation of hydrocarbons, the core remediation techniques (bio-, chemico-, and physico-treatments) adopted in most hydrocarbon biodegradability ventures are evaluated alongside the evaluation of the mechanisms of degradation. The use of plant technology in the remediation of polluted sites often referred to as phytoremediation is one of the options employed for the bio-recovery of hydrocarbon-impacted systems due to the various mechanisms involved. Therefore, regardless of the fact that some phyisco-chemically driven processes of hydrocarbon removal are abundantly used at some contaminated sites, none has been as green, cost effective and sustainable like the adoption of a biodegradation process.