ABSTRACT
The biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in contaminated water and soil involves several biological interfacial processes, including cell surface biosorption, transmembrane transport, and intracellular enzyme-related degradation. The contributions of these interfacial behaviors, especially biosorption and transmembrane process, determine the efficiency and rate of PAH degradation, and thus the pollutants’ fate. Therefore, the knowledge of PAH interfacial interactions with microbial interfaces will provide a better indication of regulation and control of biological degradation of PAHs. In this chapter, the extent of sorption and transmembrane rate of PAHs as well as major affecting factors and possible mechanisms are summarized and discussed. Furthermore, the roles of biosorption in the transmembrane process and intracellular degradation of PAHs are also introduced.
