Surfactant aided biodegradation of NAPLs by Burkholderia multivorans: Comparison between Triton X-100 and rhamnolipid JBR-515

► The effect of Triton X-100 and rhamnolipid on NAPL biodegradation is illustrated. ► A naphthalene degrader could degrade aliphatics in presence of surfactants. ► Triton X-100 caused emulsification of NAPLs but rhamnolipid did not. ► Triton X-100 increased cell surface hydrophobicity and decreased electronegativity. ► The mode of action differed for the two surfactants.