Plant-Bacterial Degradation of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons in the Rhizosphere

Studies of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-degrading bacteria and plant root exudate enzymes from contaminated rhizospheres suggest that pollutant rhizodegradation involves the joint work of bacteria and plants. Plantmicrobial associations with coupled metabolic capabilities that completely degrade PAHs while avoiding the formation of dangerous intermediates are biotechnologically promising.