Self-induced bio-potential and graphite electron accepting conditions enhances petroleum sludge degradation in bio-electrochemical system with simultaneous power generation

► The fate of twelve individual PAHs in real-field petroleum sludge was studied. ► Enhanced PAHs remediation was observed with BET over anaerobic process. ► Self-induced bio-catalytic activity in BET responded for higher ring PAHs biotransformation. ► BET operation facilitates integration of anaerobic process with self-induced electrochemical mechanism.