Bioremediation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH)-Contaminated Waste Using Composting Approaches

Abstract

Environmental pollution and in particular contaminated waste due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of current environmental concern. In an effort to find solutions, bioremediation techniques have shown promising results in the treatment of contaminated wastes. Composting approaches as a bioremediation technology to treat contaminated waste were first reported in the 1980s. This article provides a comprehensive review of research to date on the use of composting approaches for bioremediation of PAH-contaminated waste. It critically evaluates the existing research in an effort to assess the relative effectiveness of different composting approaches, determine optimal composting operation conditions, and identify the limitations and advantages of using composting approaches relative to other solutions, and recommends areas of further research effort.