Degradation of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in clay soil by electro-bioremediation

Pollution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) has recently been paid a close attention because of their potential toxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and ubiquitous distribution (Nieman et al., 2001). Moreover, because of their hydrophobicity, low volatility, and resistance to biological degradation, most PAHs are adsorbed strongly on soil particles and sediments, which make them less available for biological uptake, resulting in serious soil contamination problems. A total of 16 PAHs have been recognized as priority pollutants by the US EPA, of which, Benzo[a] pyrene (Bap), a five-ring PAH, was the first one to be identified as a carcinogen. It is generally used as an indicator for monitoring PAH-contaminated wastes.