Microbial community dynamics during the bioremediation of phenanthrene-contaminated soil

This study investigates the impact of different bioremediation strategies on the indigenous microbial community of phenanthrene-contaminated soil. Soil microcosms were established with five treatment groups: (1) natural attenuation control, (2) chemical surfactant (Tween-80), (3) a novel biosurfactant (TTEs), (4) bioaugmentation with *Rhodococcus erythropolis* KB1, and (5) a synergistic combination of the biosurfactant and the strain. After a 28-day incubation, total DNA was extracted from the soil samples. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed to characterize the bacterial community structure and diversity, aiming to elucidate the pivotal role of the inoculated strain and the effect of the biosurfactant in shaping a functionally efficient microbial consortium for PAH degradation.