Effect of surfactant-induced cell surface modifications on electron transport system and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase activities and phenanthrene biodegradation by Citrobacter sp. SA01

► Tween 80 and SDBS increased lipopolysaccharide (LPS) release from strain SA01 cells. ► LPS release increased cell surface hydrophobility (CSH) of strain SA01. ► The increased CSH enhanced the electron transport system activities of strain SA01. ► The increased CSH enhanced catechol 1,2-dioxygenase activities of strain SA01. ► The increased CSH enhanced phenanthrene biodegradation by strain SA01.