Competitive solubilization of naphthalene and pyrene in various micellar systems

► Solubility enhancement of naphthalene within micelles is more compared to pyrene. ► Non-ionic micelles exhibit better solubilization capacity than ionics for both PAHs. ► Competitive solubilization of PAHs was observed during cosolubilization. ► Solubility of naphthalene was decreased by the presence of pyrene. ► Solubility of pyrene was increased in presence of naphthalene in ionic micelles.