Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.envpol.2004.04.015
Title (Primary) Principles of microbial PAH-degradation in soil
Author Johnsen, A.R.; Wick, L.Y.; Harms, H.
Source Titel Environmental Pollution
Year 2005
Department UMB
Volume 133
Issue 1
Page From 71
Page To 84
Language englisch
Keywords Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Biodegradation; Bioavailability; Hydrophobicity; Persistence
Abstract Interest in the biodegradation mechanisms and environmental fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is motivated by their ubiquitous distribution, their low bioavailability and high persistence in soil, and their potentially deleterious effect on human health. Due to high hydrophobicity and solid–water distribution ratios, PAHs tend to interact with non-aqueous phases and soil organic matter and, as a consequence, become potentially unavailable for microbial degradation since bacteria are known to degrade chemicals only when they are dissolved in water. As the aqueous solubility of PAHs decreases almost logarithmically with increasing molecular mass, high-molecular weight PAHs ranging in size from five to seven rings are of special environmental concern. Whereas several reviews have focussed on metabolic and ecological aspects of PAH degradation, this review discusses the microbial PAH-degradation with special emphasis on both biological and physico-chemical factors influencing the biodegradation of poorly available PAHs
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=3473
Johnsen, A.R., Wick, L.Y., Harms, H. (2005):
Principles of microbial PAH-degradation in soil
Environ. Pollut. 133 (1), 71 - 84 10.1016/j.envpol.2004.04.015