Revista de biorremediación y biodegradación

Abstracto

Biodegradation of PAHs in ‘Pristine’ Soils from Different Climatic Regions

Uchechukwu V Okere and Kirk T Semple

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are an important class of organic contaminants ubiquitously found in soils globally. Their fate in soil varies depending on both soil properties and chemical structure; however, microbial degradation represents the most significant means of loss. It is therefore important to understand the factors that control PAH biodegradation in different soil environments. This review considers PAH biodegradation in “pristine” Antarctic, temperate, tropical and hot desert soils. Pre-exposure of indigenous microbes to PAHs is important for the development of the capacity to degrade PAHs so PAH sources to these soils are discussed. The role of PAH bioavailability in the biodegradation of PAHs in ‘pristine’ soils from the different climatic regions is also discussed as well as the factors that control it. Soil organic matter, water content and temperature are seen as the main environmental factors that control PAH bioavailability in these soils. With most studies focussing on temperate soils, there is need for more research on soils from other climatic zones.