Does anthracene affect microbial activities and organic matter decomposition? A comparative study in Pinus halepensis litters from Mediterranean coastal and inland areas

► Microbial functions in litters are assessed in the presence of anthracene. ► Coastal and inland microbial communities from Pinus halepensis are compared. ► Anthracene showed no toxic effects on microbial activities in both litters. ► Microbial activities differ greatly according to litter origin.