Author(s):
Fensi N Chaudhari, Nila B Nair, Uma Bhuarya, Sakshi Sharma
Abstract:
Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) contamination remains a major global environmental challenge due to its persistence, toxicity and widespread distribution. Aerobic bacterial bioremediation offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional remediation methods by utilizing oxygen-dependent metabolic pathways to degrade hydrocarbons into non-toxic end products. Recent advances in genomics, metagenomics and other omics technologies have enhanced our understanding of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms, their functional genes and metabolic networks, enabling the development of more efficient bioremediation strategies. This review highlights the diversity of aerobic hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, degradation mechanisms, biosurfactant-assisted remediation, environmental factors affecting biodegradation and emerging biotechnological approaches, emphasizing their potential for sustainable restoration of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated ecosystems.
