A current perspective on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons contamination and their bioremediation aspects

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a type of organic pollutants that are known to be potentially harmful to living beings, continue to accumulate in the environment. Owing to anthropogenic activities such as industrial emissions, fossil fuel combustion, forest fires, etc. the level of PAHs in the environment is constantly on the rise. In this review, acute and chronic health effects of PAH pollution on human health have been discussed. The authors have also shed lights on characteristics and possible routes of PAH exposure. Various bioremediation techniques and environmental considerations for PAH decontamination have also been compiled. Furthermore, contemporary biological techniques used to increase the effectiveness of removing PAH contamination such as catabolic genes, enzymes and genetic engineering methods (GEMs) have also been discussed. Advancements in recent years with regards to bacterial PAH degradation with a special focus on metagenomics have also been featured. The present article focuses on the current state-of-the-art research on PAHs biodegradation and how current research could move forward.