Survival of cryogel-immobilized Rhodococcus strains in crude oil-contaminated soil and their impact on biodegradation efficiency

► We studied a survival of cryogel-immobilized Rhodococcus in crude oil-polluted soil. ► Immobilized bacteria showed high viability under long-term desiccation conditions. ► Rhodococcus-amended soil respired actively resulting in efficient oil biodegradation. ► Application of gel-immobilized bacteria has advantages over liquid cultures.