This review focuses on the bacterial degradation pathways of selected aromatic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic aromatics. It provides a detailed description of the catabolic pathways for naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, and benzo[a]pyrene. The review also discusses the bacterial catabolism of alkylated PAHs and heterocycles such as dibenzofuran, carbazole, dibenzothiophene, and dibenzodioxin. Additionally, the role of proteomics and metabolomics in elucidating the mechanisms of microbial degradation is briefly discussed. The review highlights the importance of understanding these pathways for effective bioremediation of environmental pollutants.This review focuses on the bacterial degradation pathways of selected aromatic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic aromatics. It provides a detailed description of the catabolic pathways for naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, and benzo[a]pyrene. The review also discusses the bacterial catabolism of alkylated PAHs and heterocycles such as dibenzofuran, carbazole, dibenzothiophene, and dibenzodioxin. Additionally, the role of proteomics and metabolomics in elucidating the mechanisms of microbial degradation is briefly discussed. The review highlights the importance of understanding these pathways for effective bioremediation of environmental pollutants.