Abstract

Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination of soil and sludge presents significant environmental challenges due to the persistence and toxicity of these pollutants. Bioremediation, utilizing microbial processes to degrade hydrocarbons, has emerged as a promising and environmentally friendly approach. This article reviews various analytical techniques employed to monitor and assess the bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil and sludge. Techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, molecular biology methods, and isotopic analysis are discussed in detail, highlighting their applications, strengths, and limitations in tracking the bioremediation progress. The integration of multiple techniques provides a comprehensive understanding of microbial activity, pollutant degradation rates, and the overall effectiveness of bioremediation strategies. Future research directions are also suggested to enhance the efficiency and applicability of these analytical tools in environmental monitoring and management.