Biodegradation of benzene homologues in contaminated sediment of the East China Sea

► To enrich moderately halophilic to degrade BTEX in a wide range of salinity. ► The optimal degradation was 120 mg/L toluene within 5 d in the presence of 2 M NaCl. ► Marinobacter, Prolixibacter, Balneola, Zunongwangia, Halobacillus were the dominant genus. ► Ring fission was catalysed by catechol 1,2-dioxygenase and catechol 2,3-dioxygenase. ► Bacteria adjusted osmotic pressure by ectoine and hydroxyectoine as compatible solutes.