Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Alliances for Efficient Degradation of PHE: Microbial Community Structure and Reconstruction of Metabolic Network

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 23;19(19):12039. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191912039.

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a widespread organic pollutant worldwide. In this study, a highly efficient phenanthrene (PHE)-degrading microbial community was enriched from oil extraction soil, which could degrade 500 mg/L PHE within 4 days. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, the dominant bacteria in this community at the phylum level were found to be Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. Metagenomic annotation of genes revealed the metabolic pathways and the contribution of different bacteria to the degradation process. Pseudomonadaceae contributed multiple functional genes in the degradation process. This study revealed the functional genes, metabolic pathways, and microbial interactions of the microbial community, which are expected to provide guidance for practical management.

Keywords: metagenomics analysis; microbial community structure; phenanthrene degradation; reconstructing metabolic network.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways / genetics
  • Microbiota*
  • Phenanthrenes* / metabolism
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons* / analysis
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • Soil / chemistry
  • Soil Microbiology
  • Soil Pollutants* / analysis

Substances

  • Phenanthrenes
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
  • Soil
  • Soil Pollutants
  • phenanthrene

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2020YFC1808802).