Isolation, identification and molecular characterisation of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria and its associated genes - a review

Abstract

Hydrocarbon is self-explanatory which means compounds of carbon and hydrogen only. Hydrocarbons play a key role in our daily life. The relatively sudden introduction of xenobiotic chemicals as well as the massive relocation of natural materials to different environmental compartments can often overwhelm the self-cleaning capacity of recipient ecosystems and therefore result in the accumulation of pollutant to problematic or even harmful levels. Hydrocarbons enter into the environment through waste disposal, accidental spills, as pesticides and via losses during transport, storage and use. Unfortunately, hydrocarbon contamination of agricultural lands that result from oil spillage kills vegetation and hence the biodiversity associated with it.  Hydrocarbon substances particularly the polycyclic aromatic types have a deleterious effect on biota. The present review explores the purpose to investigate possible methods to enhance the rate of biodegradation of hydrocarbon in soil.