Biodegradation of Hydrocarbons in Marine Environment

Abstract Oilpollutioninmarineenvironmentisaseriousissuethatimpactshuman health, animal wellness, environmental health, and finally the economy of impaired areas, mainly coastal regions. Sustainable treatments (bioremediation) can attenuate the toxicity of the affected habitats, because they are inspired by natural processes carried out by bacteria and algae in synergistic actions targeted at degradation of hydrocarbons. We reviewed the specific key role of the synergy between bacteria and algae during the degradation of hydrocarbons in the sea, pointing out the importance of two crucial evidences: (1) the exchange of mutual benefits that help to cope with the variability of the aquatic environment and (2) the syntrophic behavior in the consumption of hydrocarbons. Moreover, according to the literature, it appeared that phycosphere is a complex system that should be studied by a holistic approach to understand the natural occurring interaction between algae and bacteria that can contribute to the success of in situ bioremediation processes.