Influence of the sunflower rhizosphere on the biodegradation of PAHs in soil

► We study the PAH biodegradation by autochthonous microorganisms in a polluted soil. ► Total PAHs concentrations decreased by 93% in 90 days in sunflower cultivated soil. ► PAH degradation was related with the rhizosphere effect on the microorganisms of soil. ► We separated the chemical impact of the root exudates from any root surface phenomena. ► Plants biostimulation was based on the chemical composition of the exudates.