Babashli, A.Akhundova, N.Nas, B.Iqbal, R.Ismailov, M.T.2026-02-102026-02-1020252790-234X2790-2358https://doi.org/10.61640/ujeas.2025.1213https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13091/12994In this study, the biodegradation of brominated aromatic hydrocarbons by bacterial strains isolated from the coastal waters and soils of the Caspian Sea was investigated. As a result, 44 bacterial strains belonging to 10 genera were isolated, and it was determined that strains of the genus Pseudomonas were the most active in degrading brominated aromatic hydrocarbons. To further study the biodegradation process, a microbial consortium consisting of five active Pseudomonas strains was developed. This consortium of hydrocarbon-oxidizing microorganisms exhibited the highest degradation efficiency, completely metabolizing brominated aromatic compounds at concentrations of 50–100 mg/L. The degradation pathways were identified using HPLC, IR, and NMR spectroscopy, revealing mechanisms such as hydroxylation, side-chain oxidation, debromination, and ring cleavage. The degradation products were predominantly phenolic compounds, hydroxybenzoic acids, and bromobenzoic acids. In addition to the fundamental results obtained, the collected data may form the basis of a methodological framework for future practical applications in the field of environmental biotechnology. The developed microbial consortium can be applied in the design of bioreactors and biofiltration systems for the treatment of industrial wastewater, as well as in the bioremediation of contaminated coastal areas of the Caspian Sea. © 2025, Azerbaijan State University of Economics. All rights reserved.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessBacteriaBiodegradationBioremediationBromine-Containing Aromatic HydrocarbonsCaspian SeaEnvironmental EngineeringHPLCPseudomonas SpArticle10.61640/ujeas.2025.12132-s2.0-105027814747