Aerobic bacterial degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls and their hydroxy and methoxy derivatives

Polychlorinated biphenyls are persistent organic pollutants hazardous to humans and to the environment. The products of biotransformation of these compounds can exist in natural objects as hydroxy and methoxy derivatives. This review summarizes the biodegradation pathways of polychlorinated biphenyls under the action of aerobic bacterial strains. The possibility of complete biodegradation of polychlorinated biphenyls and their derivatives under laboratory conditions is demonstrated. This information is valuable for researchers specializing in the biotransformations and toxicity of polychloroarene derivatives and would be useful for the development of remediation processes of natural objects contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls. The bibliography includes 253 references.