The importance of bioprospecting of microorganisms in areas contaminated by petroleum-derived products

Abstract

The remarkable contribution of the oil sector to world economy leads to a demand that requires more structuring of the sector’s production. Concerns related to environmental contamination possibility by petroleum products are on the increase. Pollution of soil, fresh water sources and sea environments caused by petroleum hydrocarbons causes severe problems to human, animal and vegetation health. Current bibliographical revision presents the characteristics of these pollutants, the processes involved in soil contamination, with special reference to biodegradation mechanism, and the bioprospecting of microorganisms capable of such processes. Degrading petroleum hydrocarbons is the property of several microorganism groups. The biological process of remediation, known as bioremediation, is caused by a stimulus in the environment’s natural biodegradation. Bioprospecting of naturally selected organisms in areas contaminated by petroleum-derived substances represents an important strategy for the areas’ bioremediation.