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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
07:20
Bioprospecting of Extremophilic Microorganisms to Address Environmental Pollution
Published on: December 30, 2021
Sphingomonas hankookensis sp. nov., isolated from wastewater
Jung-Hoon Yoon1, Sooyeon Park, So-Jung Kang
1Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology ,Yusong, Taejon, Republic of Korea. jhyoon@kribb.re.kr
Summary
A novel bacterial species, Sphingomonas hankookensis, was identified in a Korean wastewater treatment plant. This Gram-negative bacterium represents a new addition to the Sphingomonas genus, expanding our understanding of microbial diversity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Wastewater treatment plants harbor diverse microbial communities.
- The genus Sphingomonas comprises Gram-negative bacteria with various metabolic capabilities.
- Accurate taxonomic classification is crucial for understanding microbial roles and functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel bacterial strain from a wastewater treatment plant.
- To determine the taxonomic position of the novel strain using a polyphasic approach.
- To propose a new species within the genus Sphingomonas.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and cultivation of bacterial strain ODN7(T).
- Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Chemotaxonomic analysis including fatty acid profiles and polar lipid composition.
- DNA-DNA relatedness studies and phenotypic characterization.
Main Results:
- Strain ODN7(T) is a Gram-negative, non-motile rod.
- Phylogenetic analysis showed highest 16S rRNA gene similarity (98.9%) to Sphingomonas panni.
- Chemotaxonomic data and DNA G+C content (67.2 mol%) were consistent with the genus Sphingomonas.
- Low DNA-DNA relatedness (15-32%) to related species and distinct phenotypic characteristics confirmed novelty.
Conclusions:
- Strain ODN7(T) represents a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas.
- The proposed name for this new species is Sphingomonas hankookensis sp. nov.
- This finding contributes to the characterization of microbial diversity in wastewater environments.
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