BIODEGRADATION ALTERNATIVE IN THE CLEANUP OF PETROLEUM HYDROCARBON POLLUTANTS

Extensive petroleum hydrocarbon exploration activities often result in the pollution of the environment, which could lead to disastrous consequences for the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem if not restored. Remediation of petroleum-contaminated system could be achieved by either physicochemical or biological methods. However, the attendant negative consequences of the physicochemical approach are currently directing greater attention to the exploitation of the biological alternatives. This paper provides a review of the menace of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution and its biodegradation in the environment with the view of understanding the biodegradation processes for better exploitation in bioremediation challenges.   Key words: Petroleum hydrocarbon, pollution, environment, and biodegradation.