In situ microbial metabolism of aromatic-hydrocarbon environmental pollutants

► Microorganisms play a crucial role in detoxifying environmental pollutants. ► Proving that biodegradation processes occur in the real world (in situ) is important. ► Genetics, biochemistry, and physiology advance the science of microbial metabolism. ► Such advances provide new molecular-biomarker tools for documenting biodegradation. ► Applying new tools to contaminated sites reveals new microbial processes and diversity.