Français
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:
...
The Ultimate Scientific and Technical Reference
This article is included in
Environment
This offer includes:
Knowledge Base
Updated and enriched with articles validated by our scientific committees
Services
A set of exclusive tools to complement the resources
Practical Path
Operational and didactic, to guarantee the acquisition of transversal skills
Doc & Quiz
Interactive articles with quizzes, for constructive reading
How biodegradation works
Biodegradation assessment protocols applied in Europe
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...
The Ultimate Scientific and Technical Reference
