Effect of surfactants on microbial degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: a review

Abstract:

The strong hydrophobicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is the main factor to prevent their microbial degradation in soil and water environment. Surfactants have been extensively studied in microbial degradation of PAHs because the apparent solubility of PAHs can be improved. Up to now, there have been many reports on the PAHs biodegradation promoted by chemical surfactants or biosurfactants. However, some scholars have discovered the inhibitory effect of surfactants on microbial degradation of PAHs. This article reviewed the latest progress of surfactants on PAHs biodegradation from the aspects of surfactant types and toxicity, PAHs solubilization, mass transfer enhancement, cell surface properties and environmental factors. Moreover, these two conflicting research results have been explained. In addition, a new method to promote microbial degradation of PAHs in cloud point system was introduced. Finally, the research prospect of surfactants on microbial degradation of PAHs is prospected.