Emerging strategies for enhancing microbial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons: Prospects and challenges

Microbial degradation presents a promising and feasible method for the detoxification of these pollutants by emerging methodologies like biostimulation. The review comprehensively outlines various petroleum hydrocarbons, delineating their sources and prevalence and elaborates on the pivotal enzymes and microbes that facilitate degradation, detailing their metabolic pathways. An in-depth analysis of the factors that influence the efficacy of remediation processes is crucial, as highlighted in the review. Additionally, the review explores innovative strategies such as bioaugmentation, bioreactor technologies, and genetic or metabolic engineering, along with phytoremediation. Methods have been evaluated for their potential to augment the removal of petroleum hydrocarbons, offering a sophisticated perspective on advancing this field. Advancements promising to increase efficacy and adaptability in bioremediation processes under challenging environmental conditions have been emphasized. However, they also pose challenges related to scalability, regulatory acceptance, and ecological impacts which are explained in the review for betterment of the current research. [Display omitted] •Microbial degradation emerges as a promising strategy for petroleum remediation.•Occurrence and effects of petroleum hydrocarbon has been delineated.•The review covers key enzymes and pathways pivotal in the biodegradation process.•Emerging approaches and genetic engineering advancements has been described.•Challenges and future prospects in microbial degradation has been briefed.