Degradation of Aliphatic and Aromatic Hydrocarbons by the Microbiota of Animal Burrow Wall Sediments

摘要

The objective of our research was to document the extent to which burrowing macro fauna can be used to enhance biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants in marine sediments by stimulating aerobic microbial metabolism in burrow walls. Our specific objectives included characterizing degradation potentials for a variety of macrofauna. We also enriched and isolated relevant novel PAH-degrading bacteria and conducted manipulative experiments with them to enhance degradation in sediments. In a parallel effort, we have explored the anaerobic degradation of polar PAH metabolites that often persist in environments with significant PAH loading.