A.K. Haritash & C.P. Kaushik Discuss Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Fast Breaking Commentary, October 2010
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Article: Biodegradation aspects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Authors: Haritash, AK;Kaushik, CP |
A.K. Haritash & C.P. Kaushik talk with ScienceWatch.com and answer a few questions about this month's Fast Breaking Paper paper in the field of Engineering.
Why do you think your paper is highly
cited?
The paper reviews the biodegradation aspects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Most of these compounds are toxic and/or carcinogenic and have associated human health risks. The persistent nature and bioaccumulation potential has resulted in the distribution of PAHs in all the environmental components. Oil spills and tanker accidents in the present and past are a testimony to the adverse environmental effects of different hydrocarbons.
The physical/chemical treatment or removal techniques are energy-intensive, cost-intensive, and chemical-intensive, and have associated short-term/long-term and direct/indirect effects. In the wake of the associated limitations, bioremediation has become an approach of topical interest since it helps in the removal of PAHs in an economical and eco-friendly manner.
Coauthor C.P. Kaushik
The paper provides relevant information on various aspects of PAH removal/degradation using microbes at one place to determine and strengthen the future line of research by designing various experimental protocols.
Does it describe a new discovery, methodology, or
synthesis of knowledge?
The paper is a synthesis of knowledge on the role of microorganisms and other factors involved in biodegradation of PAHs. It also presents some of the established degradation mechanisms, microbial adaptations based on the available studies.
Would you summarize the significance of your paper
in layman's terms?
Since the PAHs are widely distributed and have proven carcinogenicity, they have, therefore, direct health effects on humans and other life-forms. The identification of microorganisms with degradation potential and establishment of degradation mechanisms would surely help in removal of pollutants with an eco-friendly approach to improve environmental health.
How did you become involved in this research, and
how would you describe the particular challenges, setbacks, and
successes that you have encountered along the way?
Since the environmental concentration of PAHs is on the rise mainly due to combustion and spillage of fossil fuels; and the studies on monitoring and degradation were few, we, therefore, initiated such work in the Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, India.
At the same time microorganisms having PAH-degrading potential were isolated from potentially contaminated soils and their degradation efficiencies were studied. Challenge and setbacks of isolation, preparation, and maintenance of pure cultures were overcome, and, finally, some bacterial and fungal strains were isolated. Their degradation capacity was induced and studied by special experimental protocol.
Where do you see your research leading in the
future?
Biological degradation of PAHs is one of the most environmentally friendly technologies to date. The study of various aspects of degradation shall improve down the line and help establish a universally acceptable, low-cost, energy-efficient, user-friendly approach for remediation for PAH-contaminated environments.
Do you foresee any social or political
implications for your research?
Removal of PAHs in an eco-friendly manner would improve the state of the
environment and health of people. The establishment of a low-cost and
environmentally friendly degradation design may contribute to the
decontamination of sites and induce policy-makers and bureaucrats to
popularize/adopt bioremediation approaches over physical and chemical
methods.
Dr. A. K. Haritash
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Delhi Technological University (Formerly Delhi
College of Engineering)
Delhi, India
Prof. C. P. Kaushik
Department of Environmental Science &
Engineering
Guru Jambheshwar University of Science &
Technology
Hisar, Haryana, India
KEYWORDS: POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS (PAHS); BIODEGRADATION; BACTERIA; FUNGI; PHYTOREMEDIATION, WHITE-ROT FUNGI; CYANOBACTERIUM OSCILLATORIA SP; NITRATE-REDUCING CONDITIONS; CREOSOTE-CONTAMINATED SOIL; MARINE HARBOR SEDIMENTS; SPENT MUSHROOM COMPOST; SALT-MARSH PLANTS; MICROBIAL-DEGRADATION; DEGRADING BACTERIA; ANAEROBIC DEGRADATION.