Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as phenanthrene are persistent environmental pollutants commonly as-sociated with industrial activities, posing a serious risk to soil ecosystems & human health due to their toxic & carcinogenic nature. The present study focuses on the isolation and characterization of phenanthrene-degrading bacteria from soil samples collected near Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) industrial area, where chronic hydrocarbon contamination is expected. Soil samples were enriched in mineral salt medium supplemented with phenanthrene as the sole carbon and energy source to selectively isolate efficient degrading microorganisms. Bacterial isolates showing significant growth were further screened for phenanthrene degradation potential using spectrophotometric analysis. Morphological, physiological and biochemical characterization of the potent isolates was carried out following standard microbial protocols. Molecular identification was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine phylogenetic affiliations. The isolates be-longed predominantly to genera known for hydrocarbon degradation, including Pseudomonas and Bacillus. Optimization studies revealed that degradation efficiency was influenced by environmental factors such as Ph, temperature and phenanthrene concentration, with optimal degradation observed under neutral pH. The results demonstrate the presence of metabolically versatile indigenous bacteria capable of utilizing phenanthrene as a carbon source in industrially contaminated soils. This study highlights the adaptive potential of native microbial communities in polluted environments and underscores their significance in natural attenuation processes. The characterized isolates show promising potential for application in bioremediation strategies aimed at restoring PAH contaminated soils around in-dustrial zones. Overall, the findings contribute to a better understanding of microbial diversity involved in phenanthrene degradation and support the development of eco-friendly and sustainable remediation approaches.

Biodegradation, Bioremediation, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Phenanthrene, Sustainable