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

  • Gabriela Cristina Barbosa Brito Centro Universitário UNA
  • Daniela Boanares de Souza Centro Universitário UNA
  • Fernanda Carla Wasner Vasconcelos Centro Universitário UNA
  • Letícia da Conceição Braga Centro Universitário UNA/ UFMG
Keywords: Biodegradation, Hydrocarbons, Environmental Contamination.

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.

Author Biographies

Gabriela Cristina Barbosa Brito, Centro Universitário UNA
Bióloga graduada pelo Centro Universitário Una - UNA. E-mail: gabrielacbbrito@gmail.com
Daniela Boanares de Souza, Centro Universitário UNA
Bióloga graduada pelo Centro Universitário Una - UNA. E-mail: daniboanares@yahoo.com.br
Fernanda Carla Wasner Vasconcelos, Centro Universitário UNA
Bióloga; Doutora em Ciências; Docente de Graduação e Mestrado do Centro Universitário Una - UNA. E-mail: fernanda.wasner@prof.una.br
Letícia da Conceição Braga, Centro Universitário UNA/ UFMG
Bióloga; Mestre em Genética; Docente de Genética e Biologia Molecular do Centro Universitário Una - UNA. E-mail: leticiacb@prof.una.br
Published
2010-08-16
Section
Environment