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Neobacillus terrisolis sp. nov. and Neobacillus solisequens sp. nov. Isolated from Soil

Summary

Scientists discovered two new species of bacteria in soil from a heavy metal smelting plant in China and named them Neobacillus terrisolis and Neobacillus solisequens. These bacteria can produce hydrogen sulfide, which helps capture and remove toxic heavy metals from contaminated soil. The research shows these microbes could be useful for cleaning up polluted environments through natural biological processes rather than expensive chemical treatments.

Background

The genus Neobacillus comprises 31 validly published species reclassified from Bacillus with broad ecological distribution across terrestrial soils, aquatic systems, and other environments. Members of this genus exhibit diverse functional roles including heavy metal bioremediation and participation in sulfur cycles. Two bacterial strains were isolated from soil at a heavy metal smelting plant in Guangxi, China.

Objective

To characterize and propose taxonomic classification of two novel bacterial strains (LXY-1T and LXY-4T) isolated from heavy metal-contaminated soil. The study aimed to conduct comprehensive polyphasic taxonomic analysis using phylogenetic, genomic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic data to establish their classification as new species within the genus Neobacillus.

Results

Both strains were characterized as facultative anaerobic, Gram-positive, endospore-forming, non-motile rods with major fatty acids C16:0, iso-C15:0, antéiso-C15:0, and antéiso-C17:0. ANI values below 95% and dDDH values below 70% confirmed classification as distinct species. Both strains possessed genes for sulfur cycle processes and demonstrated H2S production capability, with potential applications in bioremediation of heavy metal-contaminated environments.

Conclusion

Based on comprehensive polyphasic taxonomic analysis, strains LXY-1T and LXY-4T represent two novel species within the genus Neobacillus, designated as Neobacillus terrisolis sp. nov. and Neobacillus solisequens sp. nov. respectively. The identification of sulfur metabolism genes in both strains suggests their potential role in bioremediation processes through heavy metal immobilization via sulfide precipitation, contributing valuable microbial resources for environmental restoration.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Microbial Taxonomy and Characterization Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/microorganisms13112437, PMID: 41304123
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