Crop growth, culturable bacteria, and degradation of petrol hydrocarbons (PHCs) in a long-term contaminated field soil

Abstract A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted for investigating the capability of a grass (annual ryegrass), a legume (summer vetch), and a crucifer (white mustard) to grow in a soil with portions from a former coal gasification site, influence the soil bacterial community, and promote the biodegradation of petrol hydrocarbons (PHCs). Soil concentrations of 1517 mg kg −1 of total petrol hydrocarbons (TPHs), including 71.4 mg kg −1 of total US EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (TPAHs) have caused a significant ( P