Bioavailability of pollutants and chemotaxis

► The exposure of bacteria to pollutants induces chemoattraction or chemorepellence. ► Pollutant chemoreceptors so far identified are present on plasmids. ► Chemotaxis increases pollutant bioavailability and enhances biodegradation rates. ► Chemotaxis may improve microbial inoculants designed just on catabolic potential.