Substrate interactions during biodegradation of benzene/alkylbenzene mixtures by Rhodococcus sp. ustb-1

► We isolated and identified a facultative anaerobic Rhodococcus sp. ustb-1. ► It can degrade benzene (B), toluene (T), ethylbenzene (E), and xylene (X). ► It preferentially degrades T and X in BT and BX mixtures. ► E increases the toxicity of B to strain ustb-1 in BE mixture.