Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by a halotolerant bacterial strain Ochrobactrum sp. VA1

► The present study is focused on the degradation of PAHs by a halotolerant bacterial strain (Ochrobactrum sp. VA1) under saline conditions. The strain was able to degrade both low molecular weight (2-3 benzene rings) and high molecular weight (4-6 benzene rings) PAHs at different concentrations under saline condition. ► The study also details about the role of additional nutrients (Yeast extract) in PAH degradation at high saline condition (NaCl: 60 g/L). ► VA1 strain was able to degrade PAHs in petroleum wastewater under saline condition.