The Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) degradation activities and genome analysis of a novel strain<i>Stenotrophomonas sp</i>. Pemsol isolated from Mexico

Abstract

Anthraquinone, biphenyl, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and phenanthridine except xylene can be used as sole carbon sources for Pemsol's growth in Bushnell Hass medium. The degradation of naphthalene at a concentration of 1 mg/mL within 30 days was tested. A newly formed catechol peak and the disappearance of naphthalene peak detected on the UPLC-MS, and GC-MS analyses spectra respectively confirmed the complete degradation of naphthalene. Pemsol does not produce biosurfactant and neither bio-emulsify PAHs. The whole genome was sequenced and assembled into one scaffold with a length of 4,373,402 bp. A total of 145 genes involved in the degradation of PAHs were found in its genome, some of which are Pemsol-specific as compared with other 11 <i>Stenotrophomonas</i> genomes. Most specific genes are located on the genomic islands. <i>Stenotrophomonas</i> sp. Pemsol's possession of few genes that are associated with bio-emulsification gives the genetic basis for its inability to bio-emulsify PAH. A possible degradation pathway for naphthalene in Pemsol was proposed following the analysis of Pemsol's genome. ANI and GGDH analysis indicated that Pemsol is likely a new species of <i>Stenotrophomonas.</i> It is the first report on a complete genome sequence analysis of a PAH<i>-</i>degrading <i>Stenotrophomonas</i>. <i>Stenotrophomonas</i> sp. Pemsol possesses features that make it a good bacterium for genetic engineering and will be an excellent tool for the remediation of crude oil or PAH-contaminated soil.