Synergistic effect of microscale zerovalent iron particles combined with anaerobic sludges on the degradation of decabromodiphenyl ether

► The positive combined effects of MZVI and anaerobes occur on BDE-209 degradation. ► Overall BDE-209 degradation ability will increase under the co-incubation condition. ► The microbial community during the entire degradation process was changed. ► Interactions between iron and microbes result in the enhancement of degradation.