Role of Penicillium Species in Bioremediation Processes

Abstract

Environmental pollution, particularly that caused by various industrial activities, is responsible for the accelerated flux of organic and inorganic matter in the ecosphere. Xenobiotics such as phenolic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals, even at low concentrations, can be toxic to humans and other lifeforms. Various types of physical, chemical, and biological treatment techniques are in use for the remediation process of contaminated soil and water. Bioremediation is a pollution-control technology that uses biological systems to catalyze the degradation or transformation of various toxic chemicals to less harmful forms. The biological process of remediation is superior over others because it leaves fewer harmful byproducts. © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.