Degradation of chlorinated nitroaromatic compounds

• Published in: Applied microbiology and biotechnology 2012-03, Vol.93 (6), p.2265-2277
• Main Authors: Arora, Pankaj Kumar, Sasikala, Ch, Ramana, Ch. Venkata
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anthropogenic factors; Bacteria; Bacteria - genetics; Bacteria - metabolism; Biodegradation; Biodegradation, Environmental; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Bioremediation; Biotechnology; Biotransformation; Carbon; Chlorination; Degradation; Detoxification; Environmental Pollutants - chemistry; Environmental Pollutants - metabolism; Fungi; Fungi - genetics; Fungi - metabolism; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated - chemistry; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated - metabolism; Industrial wastes; Life Sciences; Metabolism; Microbial Genetics and Genomics; Microbiology; Microorganisms; Mineralization; Mini-Review; Nitro Compounds - chemistry; Nitro Compounds - metabolism; Oxidation; Pollutants; Pollution; Studies; Waste water; Wastewater; Wastewater treatment
• ISSN: 0175-7598; 1432-0614
• DOI: 10.1007/s00253-012-3927-1

Chlorinated nitroaromatic compounds (CNAs) are persistent environmental pollutants that have been introduced into the environment due to the anthropogenic activities. Bacteria that utilize CNAs as the sole sources of carbon and energy have been isolated from different contaminated and non-contaminated sites. Microbial metabolism of CNAs has been studied, and several metabolic pathways for degradation of CNAs have been proposed. Detoxification and biotransformation of CNAs have also been studied in various fungi, actinomycetes and bacteria. Several physicochemical methods have been used for treatment of wastewater containing CNAs; however, these methods are not suitable for in situ bioremediation. This review describes the current scenario of the degradation of CNAs.