Sphingomonas aquatica sp. nov., isolated from tap water

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Bacteriology
• Taxonomy

Background:

• The genus Sphingomonas comprises diverse, ubiquitous bacteria found in various environments.
• Accurate taxonomic classification is crucial for understanding microbial diversity and ecological roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize a novel bacterium from tap water.
• To determine the taxonomic position of the isolate using a polyphasic approach.
• To propose a new species within the Sphingomonas genus.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of bacteria from tap water.
• Polyphasic taxonomic characterization including 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
• Phylogenetic analysis and DNA-DNA hybridization.
• Chemotaxonomic analysis (fatty acids, ubiquinone, polyamines).

Main Results:

• A novel Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium (W1-2-1T) was isolated.
• Phylogenetic analysis placed the isolate within the Sphingomonas genus, closely related to S. oligophenolica.
• Chemotaxonomic data supported its affiliation with the Sphingomonas genus.
• Low DNA-DNA relatedness and distinct physiological characteristics differentiated it from known species.

Conclusions:

• Strain W1-2-1T represents a novel species, Sphingomonas aquatica sp. nov.
• This finding expands the known diversity of the Sphingomonas genus.
• The study highlights the importance of continued microbial exploration in aquatic environments.