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2. How biodegradation works
2.1 Biodegradation of hydrocarbons
During the biodegradation of hydrocarbon pollution (e.g. alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, aromatics, etc.) by biological (catalytic) oxidation, the pollution is consumed by microbiological organisms, generating energy for metabolic processes and cell growth. Electrons are transferred from energy-rich electron donors (e.g. hydrocarbons, which are oxidized) to electron acceptors (which are reduced).
Hydrocarbon degradation by microbiological organisms can be represented by the following reaction:
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Bibliography
Regulations
(non-exhaustive list)
Directive 76/464/EEC of May 4, 1976 on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the Community (OJEC of May 18, 1976).
Directive 2006/11/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of February 15, 2006 on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment of the...
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