ABSTRACT
The world’s addiction to the use of hydrocarbon products is a major concern to the science of pollution. In the world today, soil pollution by oil spillage is hazardous to the ecosystem with loss of aquatic lives through run offs, soil instability and damage, man and animal poisoning being the main implications. Prior to the advent of microbial bioremediation, conventional remediating techniques were employed. However, microbial bioremediation is a natural process requiring less effort, are cost effective, safer and cleaner in comparison to conventional remediating techniques. This chapter discusses the mechanism of microbial bioremediation. The ability of some bacteria and fungi to utilize hydrocarbons as their energy and carbon source is aided by processes such as bioaugmentation and biostimulation. Hydrocarbon degradation has been heavily linked to oxidizing reaction; thus, the specific oxygenase found in different microorganisms (from normal and extreme environments) influences the degradation pathway. However, the major challenge of microbial bioremediation is the microorganisms’ environmental requirements for growth and activity. Interestingly, fungi (mushrooms), microbial enzymes and bacteria are of great promises in the biological remediation of hydrocarbon contaminated soil.
