PAH-sequestration capacity of granular and powder activated carbon amendments in soil, and their effects on earthworms and plants

► Activated carbon amendment efficiently reduces bioaccumulation and mobilisation of PAHs in contaminated soil. ► Activated carbon amendment is a cheap and easily applicable technology to lower the environmental risk of PAHs in soils. ► Activated carbon amendments can change the physical properties of soils resulting in sublethal effects on soil fauna and flora.