Abstract: An apparatus and methods for concentrating or removing hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) are provided. A biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer is provided and the HOC (or a material containing a HOC) is contacted with the PHA. PHA polymers can be used to easily concentrate or remove microcontaminant levels as low as 0.01 ppm of hydrophobic organic compounds without using large solvent volumes. Methods for synthesizing the PHAs are also provided. Methods are further provided for degrading HOCs that have been sequestered from a HOC-contaminated material using isolated bacterial strains or microbes such as Escherichia, Pseudomonas and others. The method comprises contacting at least one isolated bacterial strain (or microbe) to the sequestered HOC for a time sufficient to effect removal of the HOC. The provided methods are advantageous for concentrating HOCs and providing a platform for microbial remediation of these compounds.