Biodegradation kinetics and mechanism of 2,4,6-tribromophenol by Bacillus sp. GZT: A phenomenon of xenobiotic methylation during debromination

► A novel bacterium, Bacillus sp. GZT, was isolated from an e-waste recycling site. ► Debromination and biodegradation of TBP was investigated in detail. ► Metabolite of TBP were identified and doubly confirmed by authentic standards. ► Reductive and methylated debromination occurred simultaneously during TBP biodegradation. ► Nearly 1/3 of 3 mg/L TBP could be completely mineralized within 148 h.