Petroleum Derivatives Biodegradation: - Environmental Impact and Bioremediation Strategies

Environmental contamination by petroleum derivatives is a major concern as their long term impacts are still not fully known, yet there are many visible consequences in our entire biosphere from recent events. In fact, the whole world relies in petroleum as an energetic source, thus huge amounts of such substance are expected to leak to various environments in either natural or accidental ways. A research team in São Paulo State University – Brazil, during Renato Nallin Montagnolli doctorate research headed by Dr. Ederio Dino Bidoia, raised some points regarding petroleum biodegradation hereby discussed. In this book, importance of petroleum in worldwide market and biodegradation of petroleum derivatives is presented, aiming to discuss their impact, toxicity and propose ways to improve the biodegradation process.