Lately there has been more and more research in the field of bioremediation of environments contaminated with polycyclic aromatic carbons (PAHs) and heavy metals. Bioremediation is done with the help of bacteria and fungi. Various species of microorganisms can aid in degradation of PAHs and heavy metals, either by adsorption, partial or complete degradation of the pollutants. Biodegradation is an efficient, economic, and facile method for the treatment of polluted environment. It's success depends on many factors such as pH, temperature, low molecular weight organic acids and humic acids. There are numerous bioremediation mechanisms of PAH and heavy metals with bacteria and fungi, that are affected by interaction between both types of pollutants. Microorganisms have acquired different resistance mechanisms for coping with toxic effects of heavy metals, that can otherwise be detrimenal to bioremediation. PAH and their metabolites can either promote or inhibit microorganism's activity and affect their ability of absorption and degradation of pollutants. The combined effects of PAHs and heavy metals on bacteria and fungi can be synergistic or antagonistic in regard to their toxicity.
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