Enhanced chrysene degradation by halotolerant Achromobacter xylosoxidans using Response Surface Methodology

► The present work elaborates the combination of two mechanisms i.e., direct metabolism and cometabolism of the substrate. ► Achromobacter xylosoxidans isolated from crude oil polluted sites can utilize multiple PAHs as sole source of carbon and energy. ► Optimization of several cultural parameters by RSM for enhanced chrysene degradation resulted in six fold increase in degradation (85.96%). ► pH and glucose as cosubstrate play a vital role in enhancement of chrysene degradation.