Analysis of Phenol Biodegradation in Antibiotic and Heavy Metal Resistant Acinetobacter lwoffii NL1

• Published in: Frontiers in microbiology Vol. 12; p. 725755
• Main Authors: Xu, Nan, Qiu, Chong, Yang, Qiyuan, Zhang, Yunzeng, Wang, Mingqi, Ye, Chao, Guo, Minliang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 10.09.2021
• Subjects: Acinetobacter lwoffii; bioremediation; heavy metals; Microbiology; multidrug resistance; Phenol
• ISSN: 1664-302X; 1664-302X
• DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.725755

Phenol is a common environmental contaminant. The purpose of this study was to isolate phenol-degrading microorganisms from wastewater in the sections of the Chinese Medicine Manufactory. The phenol-degrading Acinetobacter lwoffii NL1 was identified based on a combination of biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA genes. To analyze the molecular mechanism, the whole genome of A . lwoffii NL1 was sequenced, yielding 3499 genes on one circular chromosome and three plasmids. Enzyme activity analysis showed that A . lwoffii NL1 degraded phenol via the ortho -cleavage rather than the meta -cleavage pathway. Key genes encoding phenol hydroxylase and catechol 1,2-dioxygenase were located on a megaplasmid (pNL1) and were found to be separated by mobile genetic elements; their function was validated by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and quantitative real-time PCR. A . lwoffii NL1 could degrade 0.5 g/L phenol within 12 h and tolerate a maximum of 1.1 g/L phenol, and showed resistance against multiple antibiotics and heavy metal ions. Overall, this study shows that A . lwoffii NL1 can be potentially used for efficient phenol degradation in heavy metal wastewater treatment.