Hydrophobic mixed culture for 1,2-dichloroethane biodegradation: Batch-mode biodegradability and application performance in two-phase partitioning airlift bioreactors

•A hydrophobic mixed culture could efficiently degrade sole 1,2-DCA.•Efficient mineralization and dechlorination were obtained for high 1,2-DCA concentrations.•Degradation and growth kinetics for 1,2-DCA with silicone oil were studied.•1,2-DCA removal by the hydrophobic mixed culture was evaluated in airlift bioreactors.