Pathways for anaerobic hydrocarbon degradation in a nitrate reducing consortium

In summary, the presented data provide comprehensive information to extend our knowledge concerning anaerobic degradation of naphthalene. The results obtained indicated that methylation coupled to fumarate addition is the initial activation mechanisms for naphthalene degradation by the nitrate reducing enrichment culture. Such mechanisms have previously been suggested for anaerobic naphthalene activation but only in sulphate reducing cultures. However, more research is needed to establish the entire pathway and proteins involved in the degradation.