Insights into ecological roles and potential evolution of Mlr-dependent microcystin-degrading bacteria

Saturated constructed wetlands for the remediation of cylindrospermopsin and microcystin-LR: Plants, microbes, and biodegradation pathways

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms will be more intense and frequent in the future, contaminating surface waters with cyanotoxins and posing a threat to communities heavily reliant on surface water usage for crop irrigation. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are proposed to ensure safe crop irrigation, but more research is needed before implementation. The present study operated 28 mesocosms in continuous mode mimicking horizontal sub-surface flow CWs. Mesocosms were fed with synthetic lake water and spiked periodically with two cyanotoxins, microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and cylindrospermopsin (CYN), at environmentally relevant cyanotoxins concentrations (10 μg L-1). The influence of various design factors, including plant species, porous media, and seasonality, was explored. The mesocosms achieved maximum MC-LR and CYN mass removal rates of 95 % and 98 %, respectively. CYN removal is reported for the first time in CWs mimicking horizontal sub-surface flow CWs. Planted mesocosms consistently outperformed unplanted mesocosms, with Phragmites australis exhibiting superior cyanotoxin mass removal compared to Juncus effusus. Considering evapotranspiration, J. effusus yielded the least cyanotoxin-concentrated effluent due to the lower water losses in comparison with P. australis. Using the P-kC* model, different scaling-up scenarios for future piloting were calculated and discussed. Additionally, bacterial community structure was analyzed through correlation matrices and differential taxa analyses, offering valuable insights into their removal of cyanotoxins. Nevertheless, attempts to validate microcystin-LR biotransformation via the known mlrA gene degradation pathway were unfruitful, indicating alternative enzymatic degradation pathways occurring in such complex CW systems. Further investigation into the precise molecular mechanisms of removal and the identification of transformation products is needed for the comprehensive understanding of cyanotoxin mitigation in CW. This study points towards the feasibility of horizontal sub-surface flow CWs to be employed to control cyanotoxins in irrigation or recreational waters.

Impact of harmful algal bloom severity on bacterial communities in a full-scale biological filtration system for drinking water treatment

The occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater environments has been expanded worldwide with growing frequency and severity. HABs can pose a threat to public water supplies, raising concerns about safety of treated water. Many studies have provided valuable information about the impacts of HABs and management strategies on the early-stage treatment processes (e.g., pre-oxidation and coagulation/flocculation) in conventional drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). However, the potential effect of HAB-impacted water in the granular media filtration has not been well studied. Biologically-active filters (BAFs), which are used in drinking water treatment and rely largely on bacterial community interactions, have not been examined during HABs in full-scale DWTPs. In this study, we assessed the bacterial community structure of BAFs, functional profiles, assembly processes, and bio-interactions in the community during both severe and mild HABs. Our findings indicate that bacterial diversity in BAFs significantly decreases during severe HABs due to the predominance of bloom-associated bacteria (e.g., Spingopyxis, Porphyrobacter, and Sphingomonas). The excitation-emission matrix combined with parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) confirmed that filter influent affected by the severe HAB contained a higher portion of protein-like substances than filter influent samples during a mild bloom. In addition, BAF community functions showed increases in metabolisms associated with intracellular algal organic matter (AOM), such as lipids and amino acids, during severe HABs. Further ecological process and network analyses revealed that severe HAB, accompanied by the abundance of bloom-associated taxa and increased nutrient availability, led to not only strong stochastic processes in the assembly process, but also a bacterial community with lower complexity in BAFs. Overall, this study provides deeper insights into BAF bacterial community structure, function, and assembly in response to HABs.

Unlocking the potential of bacterioplankton-mediated microcystin degradation and removal: A bibliometric analysis of sustainable water treatment strategies

Microcystins (MCs) constitute a significant threat to human and environmental health, urging the development of effective removal methods for these toxins. In this review, we explore the potential of MC-degrading bacteria as a solution for the removal of MCs from water. The review insights into the mechanisms of action employed by these bacteria, elucidating their ability to degrade and thus remove MCs. After, the review points out the influence of the structural conformation of MCs on their removal, particularly their stability at different water depths within different water bodies. Then, we review the crucial role played by the production of MCs in ensuring the survival and safeguarding of the enzymatic activities of Microcystis cells. This justifies the need for developing effective and sustainable methods for removing MCs from aquatic ecosystems, given their critical ecological function and potential toxicity to humans and animals. Thereafter, challenges and limitations associated with using MC-degrading bacteria in water treatment are discussed, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize the selection of bacterial strains used for MCs biodegradation. The interaction of MCs-degrading bacteria with sediment particles is also crucial for their toxin removal potential and its efficiency. By presenting critical information, this review is a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in developing sustainable and practical approaches to remove MCs. Our review highlights the potential of various applications of MC-degrading bacteria, including multi-soil-layering (MSL) technologies. It emphasizes the need for ongoing research to optimize the utilization of MC-degrading bacteria in water treatment, ultimately ensuring the safety and quality of water sources. Moreover, this review highlights the value of bibliometric analyses in revealing research gaps and trends, providing detailed insights for further investigations. Specifically, we discuss the importance of employing advanced genomics, especially combining various OMICS approaches to identify and optimize the potential of MCs-degrading bacteria.

Comparative genomic analysis and functional investigations for MCs catabolism mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics of MCs-degrading bacteria in ecology

Microcystins (MCs) significantly threaten the ecosystem and public health. Biodegradation has emerged as a promising technology for removing MCs. Many MCs-degrading bacteria have been identified, including an indigenous bacterium Sphingopyxis sp. YF1 that could degrade MC-LR and Adda completely. Herein, we gained insight into the MCs biodegradation mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics of MCs-degrading bacteria, and revealed the toxic risks of the MCs degradation products. The biochemical characteristics and genetic repertoires of strain YF1 were explored. A comparative genomic analysis was performed on strain YF1 and six other MCs-degrading bacteria to investigate their functions. The degradation products were investigated, and the toxicity of the intermediates was analyzed through rigorous theoretical calculation. Strain YF1 might be a novel species that exhibited versatile substrate utilization capabilities. Many common genes and metabolic pathways were identified, shedding light on shared functions and catabolism in the MCs-degrading bacteria. The crucial genes involved in MCs catabolism mechanisms, including mlr and paa gene clusters, were identified successfully. These functional genes might experience horizontal gene transfer events, suggesting the evolutionary dynamics of these MCs-degrading bacteria in ecology. Moreover, the degradation products for MCs and Adda were summarized, and we found most of the intermediates exhibited lower toxicity to different organisms than the parent compound. These findings systematically revealed the MCs catabolism mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics of MCs-degrading bacteria. Consequently, this research contributed to the advancement of green biodegradation technology in aquatic ecology, which might protect human health from MCs.

Enzymatic mechanism of MlrB for catalyzing linearized microcystins by Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05

Microcystins (MCs) are the most widespread cyanobacterial toxins in eutrophic water body. As high toxic intermediate metabolites, linearized MCs are further catalyzed by linearized microcystinase (MlrB) of Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05. Here MlrB structure was studied by comprizing with a model representative of the penicillin-recognizing enzyme family via homology modeling. The key active sites of MlrB were predicted by molecular docking, and further verified by site-directed mutagenesis. A comprehensive enzymatic mechanism for linearized MCs biodegradation by MlrB was proposed: S77 transferred a proton to H307 to promote a nucleophilic attack on the peptide bond (Ala-Leu in MC-LR or Ala-Arg in MC-RR) of linearized MCs to form the amide intermediate. Then water was involved to break the peptide bond and produced the tetrapeptide as product. Meanwhile, four amino acid residues (K80, Y171, N173 and D245) acted synergistically to stabilize the substrate and intermediate transition states. This study firstly revealed the enzymatic mechanism of MlrB for biodegrading linearized MCs with both computer simulation and experimental verification.

Trade-off in genome turnover events leading to adaptive evolution of Microcystis aeruginosa species complex

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies in the past have expanded our understanding of the genetic differences of global distributed cyanobacteria that originated around billions of years ago, however, unraveling how gene gain and loss drive the genetic evolution of cyanobacterial species, and the trade-off of these evolutionary forces are still the central but poorly understood issues.

RESULTS

To delineate the contribution of gene flow in mediating the hereditary differentiation and shaping the microbial evolution, a global genome-wide study of bloom-forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa species complex, provided robust evidence for genetic diversity, reflected by enormous variation in gene repertoire among various strains. Mathematical extrapolation showed an 'open' microbial pan-genome of M. aeruginosa species, since novel genes were predicted to be introduced after new genomes were sequenced. Identification of numerous horizontal gene transfer's signatures in genome regions of interest suggested that genome expansion via transformation and phage-mediated transduction across bacterial lineage as an evolutionary route may contribute to the differentiation of Microcystis functions (e.g., carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism). Meanwhile, the selective loss of some dispensable genes at the cost of metabolic versatility is as a mean of adaptive evolution that has the potential to increase the biological fitness.

CONCLUSIONS

Now that the recruitment of novel genes was accompanied by a parallel loss of some other ones, a trade-off in gene content may drive the divergent differentiation of M. aeruginosa genomes. Our study provides a genetic framework for the evolution of M. aeruginosa species and illustrates their possible evolutionary patterns.

Review: Current understanding on biological filtration for the removal of microcystins

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have become a global problem not only in aquatic habitats but also in public health and safety due to the production of cyanotoxins as their secondary metabolites. Among the various identified cyanotoxin groups, microcystins (MCs) are one of the most prevalent cyanotoxin detected during HABs. Different strategies including advanced physical and chemical treatment processes have been developed to mitigate the threat of cyanotoxins in water utilities, but these have revealed certain limitations in terms of high operational costs, low removal efficacy, and harmful by-products formation. Recently, biological filtration systems (BFS) have gained attention for safe drinking water production as they can treat various natural organic matter (NOM) and emerging contaminants through a highly efficient and environmentally sustainable process. However, limited attention has been given to understand the current research progress, research challenges, and knowledge gaps for the successful implementation of BFS for MC removal. Therefore, in this review, currently identified MC biodegradation pathways and MC-degrading microorganisms with their degradation rates are summarized, which may be pivotal for studying bioaugmented BFS to enhance the MC removal during HABs. Moreover, both laboratory and field studies on BFS for MC removal are reviewed, followed by a discussion of current challenges and future research needs for the practical application of BFS.

Biodegradation of MC-LR and its key bioactive moiety Adda by Sphingopyxis sp. YF1: Comprehensive elucidation of the mechanisms and pathways

Microcystins (MCs) are harmful to the ecology and public health. Some bacteria can degrade MCs into Adda, but few can destroy Adda. Adda is the key bioactive moiety of MCs and mainly contributes to hepatotoxicity. We had previously isolated an indigenous novel bacterial strain named Sphingopyxis sp. YF1 that can efficiently degrade MCs and its key bioactive moiety Adda, but the mechanisms remained unknown. Here, the biodegradation mechanisms and pathways of Adda were systematically investigated using multi-omics analysis, mass spectrometry and heterologous expression. The transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles of strain YF1 during Adda degradation were revealed for the first time. Multi-omics analyses suggested that the fatty acid degradation pathway was enriched. Specifically, the expression of genes encoding aminotransferase, beta oxidation (β-oxidation) enzymes and phenylacetic acid (PAA) degradation enzymes were significantly up-regulated during Adda degradation. These enzymes were further proven to play important roles in the biodegradation of Adda. Simultaneously, some novel potential degradation products of Adda were identified successfully, including 7‑methoxy-4,6-dimethyl-8-phenyloca-2,4-dienoic acid (C₁₇H₂₂O₃), 2-methyl-3‑methoxy-4-phenylbutyric acid (C₁₂H₁₆O₃) and phenylacetic acid (PAA, C₈H₈O₂). In summary, the Adda was converted into PAA through aminotransferase and β-oxidation enzymes, then the PAA was further degraded by PAA degradation enzymes, and finally to CO₂ via the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This study comprehensively elucidated the novel MC-LR biodegradation mechanisms, especially the new enzymatic pathway of Adda degradation. These findings provide a new perspective on the applications of microbes in the MCs polluted environment.

Structural insight into the substrate-binding mode and catalytic mechanism for MlrC enzyme of Sphingomonas sp. ACM-3962 in linearized microcystin biodegradation

Removing microcystins (MCs) safely and effectively has become an urgent global problem because of their extremely hazardous to the environment and public health. Microcystinases derived from indigenous microorganisms have received widespread attention due to their specific MC biodegradation function. However, linearized MCs are also very toxic and need to be removed from the water environment. How MlrC binds to linearized MCs and how it catalyzes the degradation process based on the actual three-dimensional structure have not been determined. In this study, the binding mode of MlrC with linearized MCs was explored using a combination of molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis methods. A series of key substrate binding residues, including E70, W59, F67, F96, S392 and so on, were identified. Sodium dodecane sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was used to analyze samples of these variants. The activity of MlrC variants were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We used fluorescence spectroscopy experiments to research the relationship between MlrC enzyme (E), zinc ion (M), and substrate (S). The results showed that MlrC enzyme, zinc ion and substrate formed E-M-S intermediates during the catalytic process. The substrate-binding cavity was made up of N and C-terminal domains and the substrate-binding site mainly included N41, E70, D341, S392, Q468, S485, R492, W59, F67, and F96. The E70 residue involved in both substrate catalysis and substrate binding. In conclusion, a possible catalytic mechanism of the MlrC enzyme was further proposed based on the experimental results and a literature survey. These findings provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms of the MlrC enzyme to degrade linearized MCs, and laid a theoretical foundation for further biodegradation studies of MCs.

Cyanopeptides restriction and degradation co-mediate microbiota assembly during a freshwater cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom (CyanoHAB)

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) are globally intensifying and exacerbated by climate change and eutrophication. However, microbiota assembly mechanisms underlying CyanoHABs remain elusive. Especially, cyanopeptides, as a group of bioactive secondary metabolites of cyanobacteria, could affect microbiota assembly and ecosystem function. Here, the trajectory of cyanopeptides was followed and linked to microbiota during Microcystis-dominated CyanoHABs in Lake Taihu, China. The most abundant cyanopeptide classes detected included microginin, spumigin, microcystin, nodularin and cyanopeptolin with total MC-LR-equivalent concentrations between 0.23 and 2051.54 ppb, of which cyanotoxins beyond microcystins (e.g., cyanostatin B and nodularin_R) far exceeded reported organismal IC₅₀ and negatively correlated with microbiota diversity, exerting potential collective eco-toxicities stronger than microcystins alone. The microbial communities were differentiated by size fraction and sampling date throughout CyanoHABs, and surprisingly, their variances were better explained by cyanopeptides (19-38%) than nutrients (0-16%). Cyanopeptides restriction (e.g., inhibition) and degradation were first quantitatively verified as the deterministic drivers governing community assembly, with stochastic processes being associated with the interplay between cyanopeptide dynamics and lake microbiota. This study presents an emerging paradigm in which cyanopeptides restriction and degradation co-mediate lake water microbiota assembly, unveiling new insights into the ecotoxicological significance of CyanoHABs to freshwater ecosystems.

Genomic Analysis of Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05 for Biodegrading Cyanobacterial Hepatotoxins

Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05, which we previously identified and examined, is a well-known bacterial strain for biodegrading cyanobacterial hepatotoxins of both nodularins (NODs) and microcystins (MCs). Although the pathways for biodegrading the different types of [D-Asp¹] NOD, MC-YR, MC-LR and MC-RR by Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05 were suggested, and several biodegradation genes were successfully cloned and expressed, the comprehensive genomic analysis of Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05 was not reported. Here, based on second and third generation sequencing technology, we analyzed the whole genome of Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05, which is 4,679,489 bp and contains 4,312 protein coding genes. There are 88 protein-coding genes related to the NODs and MCs biodegradation, of which 16 genes (bioA, hmgL, hypdh, speE, nspC, phy, spuC, murD, glsA, ansA, ocd, crnA, ald, gdhA, murC and murI) are unique. These genes for the transformation of phenylacetic acid CoA (PA-CoA) to CO₂ were also found in Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05. This study expands the understanding of the pathway for complete biodegradation of cyanobacterial hepatotoxins by Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05.

Current research scenario for biological effect of exogenous factors on microcystin synthesis

In natural water bodies, numerous cyanobacteria have the potential to intracellularly synthesize cyanotoxins, among which microcystin (MC) is the ubiquitous toxin that has been well known to be carcinogenic for hepatocytes. MC synthesis is a complex process, which involves about 10 non-ribosomal proteins encoded by the mcy gene cluster. In the natural environments containing MC-producing cyanobacteria, a variety of external factors can affect the generation of MC by mediating the expression of synthesizing genes. These factors can be generally divided into biotic factors (e.g., daphnia, virioplankton, MC-degrading bacteria, algicidal bacteria) and abiotic factors (e.g., nutrients, physical factors, chemicals, phytochemicals, essential trace elements), which are of great significance to the effective reduction of MC. Furthermore, comparison of MC-synthesizing genes in different cyanobacterial strains was performed, and the related factors affecting MC synthesis were summarized. Then, the problems and gaps regarding the biological effect of exogenous factors on microcystin synthesis were discussed. This review article may provide new ideas for addressing the challenges and bottlenecks of MC management.

Widespread Distribution and Adaptive Degradation of Microcystin Degrader (mlr-Genotype) in Lake Taihu, China

Microbial degradation is an important route for removing environmental microcystins (MCs). Here, we investigated the ecological distribution of microcystin degraders (mlr-genotype), and the relationship between the substrate specificity of the microcystin degrader and the profile of microcystin congener production in the habitat. We showed that microcystin degraders were widely distributed and closely associated with Microcystis abundance in Lake Taihu, China. We characterized an indigenous degrader, Sphingopyxis N5 in the northern Lake Taihu, and it metabolized six microcystin congeners in increasing order (RR > LR > YR > LA > LF and LW). Such a substrate-specificity pattern was congruent to the order of the dominance levels of these congeners in northern Lake Taihu. Furthermore, a meta-analysis on global microcystin degraders revealed that the substrate-specificity patterns varied geographically, but generally matched the profiles of microcystin congener production in the degrader habitats, and the indigenous degrader typically metabolized well the dominant MC congeners, but not the rare congeners in the habitat. This highlighted the phenotypic congruence between microcystin production and degradation in natural environments. We theorize that such congruence resulted from the metabolic adaptation of the indigenous degrader to the local microcystin congeners. Under the nutrient microcystin selection, the degraders might have evolved to better exploit the locally dominant congeners. This study provided the novel insight into the ecological distribution and adaptive degradation of microcystin degraders.

New insights into toxicity of microcystins produced by cyanobacteria using in silico ADMET prediction

In silico methodologies can be used in the discovery of new drugs for measuring toxicity, predicting effects of substances not yet analyzed by in vivo methodologies. The ADMET Predictor® software (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity [ADMET]) was used in this work to predict toxic effects of microcystin variants MC-LR, MC-YR, MC-RR, and MC-HarHar. In the case of rodents, predictive results for all analyzed variants indicated carcinogenic potential. The predictive model of respiratory sensitivity in this group differentiated microcystins into 2 categories: sensitizer (MC-LR and -YR) and non-sensitizer (MC-HarHar and -RR). Predictive results for humans indicated that MC-LR and -RR are phospholipidosis inducers; on the other hand, MC-LR showed the highest predictive value of permeability in rabbit cornea and probability of crossing lipoprotein barriers (MC-LR>-YR>-HarHar>-RR). Considering bioavailable fractions, microcystins are more likely to cause biological effects in rats than humans, showing significant differences between models. The results of ADMET predictions add valuable information on microcystin toxicity, especially in the case of variants not yet studied experimentally.

Degradation of Multiple Peptides by Microcystin-Degrader Paucibacter toxinivorans (2C20)

Since conventional drinking water treatments applied in different countries are inefficient at eliminating potentially toxic cyanobacterial peptides, a number of bacteria have been studied as an alternative to biological filters for the removal of microcystins (MCs). Here, we evaluated the degradation of not only MCs variants (-LR/DM-LR/-RR/-LF/-YR), but also non-MCs peptides (anabaenopeptins A/B, aerucyclamides A/D) by Paucibactertoxinivorans over 7 days. We also evaluated the degradation rate of MC-LR in a peptide mix, with all peptides tested, and in the presence of M. aeruginosa crude extract. Furthermore, biodegradation was assessed for non-cyanobacterial peptides with different chemical structures, such as cyclosporin A, (Glu1)-fibrinopeptide-B, leucine-enkephalin, and oxytocin. When cyanopeptides were individually added, P. toxinivorans degraded them (99%) over 7 days, except for MC-LR and -RR, which decreased by about 85 and 90%, respectively. The degradation rate of MC-LR decreased in the peptide mix compared to an individual compound, however, in the presence of the Microcystis extract, it was degraded considerably faster (3 days). It was noted that biodegradation rates decreased in the mix for all MCs while non-MCs peptides were immediately degraded. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS allowed us to identify two linear biodegradation products for MC-LR and MC-YR, and one for MC-LF. Furthermore, P. toxinivorans demonstrated complete degradation of non-cyanobacterial peptides, with the exception of oxytocin, where around 50% remained after 7 days. Thus, although P. toxinivorans was previously identified as a MC-degrader, it also degrades a wide range of peptides under a range of conditions, which could be optimized as a potential biological tool for water treatment.

Microcystinase - a review of the natural occurrence, heterologous expression, and biotechnological application of MlrA

Microcystinase (MlrA) was first described in 1996. Since then MlrA peptidase activity has proven to be both the most efficient enzymatic process and the most specific catalyst of all known microcystins detoxification pathways. Furthermore, MlrA and the MlrABC degradation pathway are presently the only enzymatic processes with clear genetic and biochemical descriptions available for microcystins degradation, greatly facilitating modern applied genetics for any relevant technological development. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the potential of sustainable, biologically inspired alternatives to current industrial practice, with note that biological microcystins degradation is the primary detoxification process found in nature. While previous reviews have broadly discussed microbial biodegradation processes, here we present a review focused specifically on MlrA. Following a general overview, we briefly highlight the initial discovery and present understanding of the MlrABC degradation pathway, before discussing the genetic and biochemical aspects of MlrA. We then review the potential biotechnology applications of MlrA in the context of available literature with emphasis on the optimization of MlrA for in situ applications including (i) direct modulation of Mlr activity within naturally existing populations, (ii) bioaugmentation of systems with introduced biodegradative capacity via whole cell biocatalysts, and (iii) bioremediation via direct MlrA application.

Effect of temperature on microcystin-LR removal and lysis activity on Microcystis aeruginosa (cyanobacteria) by an indigenous bacterium belonging to the genus Achromobacter

Microcystis is a frequent cyanobacterium bloom-forming with cosmopolitan distribution which can produce a hepatotoxin group called microcystins (MCs). These MCs are resistant to the traditional processes employed in the water treatment plants and they are often detected after conventional treatments. Because of this, the bio-removal studies have obtained a great interest in the last decades. In this work, a bacterial strain namely LG1 with the ability to remove microcystin-LR (MC-LR) under laboratory conditions was isolated from Rio de la Plata River and it was identified as Achromobacter spp. This ubiquitous bacterium was able to remove 79.5% MC-LR in 7 days with average removal time of 3.33 ± 0.08, 3.06 ± 0.05, and 2.77 ± 0.05 days at 28, 32, and 36 ± 1 °C, being higher at high temperature (36 °C) with an activation energy = 16.79 ± 1.99 kJ mol^-1. LG1 grew better at higher temperature (from 28 to 36 ± 1 °C) increasing the specific growth rate (μ) and reducing 2-fold the lag phase duration (LPD) without significant differences (p > 0.05) between maximum population density (MPD). In addition, LG1 showed a lysis activity on two M. aeruginosa native strains in 7 days measured as chlorophyll a (Chl-a) concentration. The lysis activity increased around 2-fold when increasing the temperature from 28 to 36 ± 1 °C. This is the first report of an indigenous bacterium belonging to the genus Achromobacter spp. isolated from the Rio de la Plata River with the capacity to remove MC-LR and lysis activity on M. aeruginosa.

Exploring microcystin-degrading bacteria thriving on recycled membranes during a cyanobacterial bloom

Microcystins (MC) are highly toxic secondary metabolites produced by cyanobacterial blooms in many freshwater ecosystems used for recreational and drinking water purposes. So far, biological processes remain to be optimized for an efficient cyanotoxin removal, and new approaches are necessary to compete with physical-chemical treatments. In previous studies we provided a new concept of membrane biofilm reactor made of recycled material, in which a single MC-degrading bacterial strain was inoculated. The present study evaluates the capacity of bacterial consortia associated with freshwater cyanobacterial blooms to form biofilms on recycled membranes and remove MC. Three different discarded reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, previously used in desalination plants after treating brackish water (BWd), seawater (SWd) and brackish water but transformed into nanofiltration (BWt-NF), were exposed to a cyanobacterial bloom in San Juan reservoir (central Spain). Results showed that the three recycled membranes developed a bacterial community with MC removal capacity. Little differences in bacterial coverage and MC removal efficiency between membranes were observed after their exposure in the reservoir. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene analysis showed similar bacterial community composition at the phylum level but dissimilar at the order level between the three membranes. This suggests possible surface selectivity on the attached bacterial community. The mlr^- candidates such as Burkholderiales and Methylophilales were highly abundant in BWt-NF and BWd, respectively, while mlr⁺ candidates (e.g. Sphingomonadales) were low abundant in all membranes. Analysis of mlrA and mlrB genes used as markers for MC degradation following mlr-pathway confirmed the presence of this pathway in all membranes. These results suggest the co-existence of both genotypes in membrane-attached native biofilms. Therefore, this study confirms that recycled membranes are suitable support for many MC-degrading bacteria, thus giving value to discarded membranes for eco-friendly and low-cost biological filters.

Genome-Wide Analysis Reveals Genetic Potential for Aromatic Compounds Biodegradation of Sphingopyxis

Members of genus Sphingopyxis are frequently found in diverse eco-environments worldwide and have been traditionally considered to play vital roles in the degradation of aromatic compounds. Over recent decades, many aromatic-degrading Sphingopyxis strains have been isolated and recorded, but little is known about their genetic nature related to aromatic compounds biodegradation. In this study, bacterial genomes of 19 Sphingopyxis strains were used for comparative analyses. Phylogeny showed an ambiguous relatedness between bacterial strains and their habitat specificity, while clustering based on Cluster of Orthologous Groups suggested the potential link of functional profile with substrate-specific traits. Pan-genome analysis revealed that 19 individuals were predicted to share 1,066 orthologous genes, indicating a high genetic homogeneity among Sphingopyxis strains. Notably, KEGG Automatic Annotation Server results suggested that most genes pertaining aromatic compounds biodegradation were predicted to be involved in benzoate, phenylalanine, and aminobenzoate metabolism. Among them, β-ketoadipate biodegradation might be the main pathway in Sphingopyxis strains. Further inspection showed that a number of mobile genetic elements varied in Sphingopyxis genomes, and plasmid-mediated gene transfer coupled with prophage- and transposon-mediated rearrangements might play prominent roles in the evolution of bacterial genomes. Collectively, our findings presented that Sphingopyxis isolates might be the promising candidates for biodegradation of aromatic compounds in pollution sites.