Microbial Degradation of Naphthalene and Substituted Naphthalenes: Metabolic Diversity and Genomic Insight for Bioremediation

) displayed the ability to degrade various SOCs. Metabolic studies, genomic and metagenomics analyses have aided our understanding of the catabolic complexity and diversity present in these simple life forms which can be further applied for efficient biodegradation. The prolonged persistence of PAHs has led to the evolution of new degradative phenotypes through horizontal gene transfer using genetic elements like plasmids, transposons, phages, genomic islands, and integrative conjugative elements. Systems biology and genetic engineering of either specific isolates or mock community (consortia) might achieve complete, rapid, and efficient bioremediation of these PAHs through synergistic actions. In this review, we highlight various metabolic routes and diversity, genetic makeup and diversity, and cellular responses/adaptations by naphthalene and substituted naphthalene-degrading bacteria. This will provide insights into the ecological aspects of field application and strain optimization for efficient bioremediation.