In vitro removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by lactic acid bacteria.

The removal of PAHs was significantly related to pH of media, strains of bacteria, type and concentration of PAHs SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study has been focused on the reduction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using LABs and probiotics. Our results showed that not only live strains but also inactivated tested strains are able to remove PAHs from aqueous media, presenting new methods to diminish the amount of these contaminants in foods. Furthermore, the results of this study can be used in future research on evaluating the effects of oral administration of probiotic supplements and even dead probiotic strains on reducing PAHs in humans.