ABSTRACT

A survey of the literature reveals a wealth of information concerning the degradation of a diverse array of organic compounds by a variety of microorganisms as well as reports of the degradation of organic chemicals in the environment by a combination of biotic and abiotic processes. This chapter discusses the features common to the microbial degradation of organic compounds and their implication for hazardous waste treatment and environmental remediation. Microorganisms that utilize organic substrates as the source of carbon for growth typically utilize the organic substrate as the electron donor (energy source) as well. Partial modification of hazardous organics is not considered an environmentally sound treatment option unless another microbial population is present to complete the destruction. An excellent illustration of the degradation of organics by mixed populations is the microbial degradation of petroleum. Preferred for biological waste treatment are those compounds that can be mineralized by axenic or mixed cultures.