Overcoming substrate inhibition during biological treatment of monoaromatics: recent advances in bioprocess design

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2011 Jun;90(5):1589-608. doi: 10.1007/s00253-011-3229-z. Epub 2011 Apr 8.

Abstract

The biological removal of monoaromatic compounds from contaminated environments, usually arising from industrial activity, is challenging because of the inherent toxicity of these compounds to microorganisms, particularly at the concentrations that can be encountered in industrial waste streams. A wide range of bioprocess designs have been proposed and tested with the aim of achieving high removal efficiencies, with varying degrees of technical success, and potential for practical implementation. This review reports on the progress on variations of well-known themes made in the last 3-4 years, as well as new bioprocess technologies that address the cytotoxicity of monoaromatics directly. Areas for further research are also proposed.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / chemistry
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Hydrocarbons, Aromatic / chemistry
  • Hydrocarbons, Aromatic / metabolism*
  • Industrial Microbiology / instrumentation
  • Industrial Microbiology / methods*
  • Industrial Microbiology / trends
  • Industrial Waste / analysis*
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / instrumentation
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid / methods*

Substances

  • Hydrocarbons, Aromatic
  • Industrial Waste