Biodegradation of phenol

Abstract

The use of microbial catalysts in the biodegradation of organic compounds has advanced significantly during the past three decades. It has been found that large numbers of microbes co-exist in almost all natural environments, particularly in soils. Many natural and synthetic organic chemicals are readily biodegradable in natural environment. Biodegradation of materials involve initial proximity, allowing adsorption or physical access to the substrate, secretion of extra cellular enzymes to degrade the substrates or uptake via transport systems followed by intracellular metabolism. The efficiency of biodegradation of organic compounds is influenced by the type of the organic pollutant, the nature of the organism, the enzyme involved, the mechanism of degradation and the nature of the influencing factors. Phenolic compounds are hazardous pollutants that are toxic at relatively low concentration. Accumulation of phenol creates toxicity both for flora and fauna. Since phenol is toxic and cause pollution, it must be removed from the environment.