Metagenomic analysis reveals the prevalence of biodegradation genes for organic pollutants in activated sludge

► High prevalence of biodegradation genes was reported in activated sludge. ► The p450 gene was determined as the most abundant biodegradation gene. ► The pmo (2-monoxygenase) gene was the most dominant phenol degradation gene. ► Approximately 11.5-40.0% of biodegradation genes were carried on plasmids. ► Mycobacterium was the dominant population for degrading organic pollutants.