Enzymatic bioremediation of recalcitrant compounds

The potentialities of intracellular and extracellular enzymes in the detoxification of organic pollutants are well documented. Experimental evidence is also available of their use for an effective transformation of recalcitrant compounds. These latter have potential significant impact on human and environmental health, because they are resistant to environmental degradation and therefore they may persist in the environment, may bioaccumulate in human and animal tissue, and may biomagnify in food chains. Negative, often irreversible effects on the environment may result. In this presentation some groups of recaciltrant organic pollutants will be considered, and recent findings on the enzymes involved in their transformation and possibly utilizable for their remediation will be examined. The compounds will be selected among those considered priority pollutants by National and International Environmental Agencies. Particular attention will be devoted to drawbacks and limits that still hinder the widespread use of enzymes as detoxifying agents of sites polluted by such compounds. The experimental procedures capable of actually establishing the involvement of enzymes in the remediation of polluted soils will be examined, as well.