Genomic Decoding of Specialized Aromatic Hydrocarbon Degradation in Mangrove-Derived Gordonia sp. B7 2

Abstract

Petroleum pollution has increased worldwide, driving the search for microorganisms with efficient hydrocarbon-degrading capabilities. Here, we report a novel bacterium, Gordonia sp. B7-2, isolated from mangrove sediments in Hainan, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences, together with digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values, supported its classification as a new species within the genus Gordonia. The complete genome of strain B7-2 consists of a single circular chromosome of 5.39 Mb with a G+C content of 65.99%, and encodes 4,887 protein-coding genes. Genomic annotation revealed a complete pathway for aromatic hydrocarbon degradation, including genes encoding protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase and biphenyl-2,3-diol 1,2-dioxygenase, whereas genes involved in the initial oxidation of alkanes were absent. Consistent with these genomic predictions, strain B7-2 degraded 64.33% of crude oil (300 mg/L) within 28 days, with rapid degradation during the initial 14 days, followed by a slower phase thereafter, reflecting the dynamics of complex hydrocarbon mixtures. Together, these results demonstrate that strain B7-2 is specialized for the degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons and highlight its potential for targeted petroleum bioremediation. IMPORTANCEMangrove ecosystems are highly vulnerable to petroleum contamination, yet the microorganisms responsible for hydrocarbon turnover in these environments remain poorly characterized. This study describes a new bacterial species, Gordonia sp. B7-2, that exhibits a strong metabolic specialization for aromatic hydrocarbon degradation. Unlike many known oil-degrading bacteria that preferentially utilize alkanes, strain B7-2 targets aromatic components of crude oil, which are among the most persistent and toxic fractions.Its ability to efficiently degrade crude oil highlights its potential in the bioremediation of contaminated coastal environments and expands our understanding of microbial contributions to hydrocarbon cycling in mangrove sediments