Biosorption and biodegradation of phenanthrene and pyrene in sterilized and unsterilized soil slurry systems stimulated by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

► A soil-slurry system containing mycelial pellets as a separable biophase was set up. ► Distribution and dissipation of PAHs in soil, fungal body and water were quantified. ► The pool of mycelia-bound PAHs are bioaccessible and exhausted via biodegradation. ► Allochthonous and wild microorganisms can synergistically access sorbed-PAHs. ► Both biosorption and biodegradation contribute to bioremediation of polluted soil.