Isolation and characterization of a novel halotolerant selenate-reducing bacterium, Citrobacter koseri Y2

The biological treatment of selenium-containing wastewater has attracted attention as a cost-effective and eco-friendly technology. However, the inhibitory effect of high salinity and oxygen in wastewater on bacterial selenate/selenite-reducing abilities hinders their practical use. In this study, a unique halotolerant facultative anaerobe, Citrobacter koseri Y2, which can reduce selenate under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, was isolated and characterized, including a whole genome analysis. Strain Y2 reduced 1 mM selenate and selenite, and 0.4 mM selenate and 1 mM selenite to elemental selenium within 4 d at 3 % (w/v) NaCl under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Regarding the mechanisms underlying selenate reduction, genes for selenate reductases, YnfE and YnfF, and nitrate reductases were identified in the genome of strain Y2. Selenate reduction by strain Y2 was inhibited in the presence of tungstate, confirming the involvement of molybdoenzymes in this process. These results indicate that strain Y2 is a promising bioagent for the treatment of selenium-containing wastewater.