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CE 521 Environmental Biotechnology

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Term Paper Abstracts (Fall 2001):

THE BIOREMIDATION OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBON (PAH) USING BIOSURFACTANT IN THE CONTAMINATED SOIL

Joo Insoo

ABSTRACT

In general the biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is influenced by their bioavailability. Hydrocarbons are very poorly soluble in water. They are easily adsorbed to clay or humus fractions in the soil, and pass very slowly to the aqueous phase, where they are metabolized by microorganisms. Surfactants that increase their solubility and improve their bioavailability can accelerate degradation. The use of biosurfactants showed that the bioavailability of PAHs enhanced from the contaminated soil. However, further investigation is needed on the importance of the interactions between adsorbed biosurfactants, PAHs, and soil. The use of many biosurfactants is also concern to enhance the biodegradation of PAHs.

Keywords: PAH, bioremediation, biosurfactant, solubility, bioavailabilty

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