Spacial characteristics of pyrene degradation and soil microbial activity with the distance from the ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) root surface in a multi-interlayer rhizobox

► Degradation of pyrene with the distance away from root surface in rhizosphere was investigation. ► The largest degradation of pyrene in planted soil appeared at 2 mm zone from the root surface. ► Soil microbe change was main mechanism for pyrene degradation with distance from root surface.