Earthworm-assisted remediation of aged benzoapyrene-contaminated soil and its impact on microbial community structure

Key Points

• Benzo[a]pyrene levels decreased significantly during earthworm-assisted remediation, enhancing soil health.
• Microbial community structure altered positively, with a notable increase in diversity and function after treatment.
• Remediation process involved soil being treated with earthworms to facilitate biodegradation of contaminants efficiently.
• Results suggest that earthworm-assisted methods may support effective strategies for restoring contaminated soils.