Low-temperature biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons (n-alkanes, phenol, anthracene, pyrene) by four actinobacterial strains

► Four cold-adapted Actinobacteria are versatile and efficient hydrocarbon degraders. ► Rhodococcus, Arthrobacter, Pimelobacter strains degrade high phenol amounts at 15 °C. ► Rhodococcus erythropolis degrades high amounts of anthracene and pyrene at 15 °C. ► Growth and biodegradation occur over a broad temperature range.