This review summarizes bacterial degradation pathways of selected aromatic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, and benzo[a]pyrene, as well as heterocyclic compounds like dibenzofuran, carbazole, dibenzothiophene, and dibenzodioxin, and alkylated PAHs. The review focuses on aerobic bacterial catabolic pathways and discusses the role of proteomics and metabolomics in understanding biodegradation mechanisms. It highlights the importance of understanding catabolic pathways and responsible enzymes for efficient cleanup of pollutants. The review also discusses the environmental sources and properties of PAHs, their toxicity, and the challenges in their degradation. It provides detailed information on the degradation pathways of various aromatic compounds, including the enzymes involved, the metabolic intermediates, and the final products. The review also discusses the catabolism of heterocyclic compounds and alkylated PAHs, as well as the challenges in their degradation. The review concludes with a discussion on the application of proteomics and metabolomics in elucidating the mechanisms of bacterial degradation of PAHs and their potential in bioremediation.This review summarizes bacterial degradation pathways of selected aromatic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, and benzo[a]pyrene, as well as heterocyclic compounds like dibenzofuran, carbazole, dibenzothiophene, and dibenzodioxin, and alkylated PAHs. The review focuses on aerobic bacterial catabolic pathways and discusses the role of proteomics and metabolomics in understanding biodegradation mechanisms. It highlights the importance of understanding catabolic pathways and responsible enzymes for efficient cleanup of pollutants. The review also discusses the environmental sources and properties of PAHs, their toxicity, and the challenges in their degradation. It provides detailed information on the degradation pathways of various aromatic compounds, including the enzymes involved, the metabolic intermediates, and the final products. The review also discusses the catabolism of heterocyclic compounds and alkylated PAHs, as well as the challenges in their degradation. The review concludes with a discussion on the application of proteomics and metabolomics in elucidating the mechanisms of bacterial degradation of PAHs and their potential in bioremediation.