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A Gram-reaction-positive, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium (strain 2C1-5T) was isolated from activated sludge of an industrial wastewater treatment plant in Daegu, South Korea. Its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the closest phylogenetic relatives were the type strains of Nocardioides nitrophenolicus (98.6 % similarity), N. kongjuensis (98.5 %), N. caeni (98.4 %), N. simplex (98.3 %), N. aromaticivorans (98.1 %) and N. ginsengisoli (97.5 %); the phylogenetic distance from other species with validly published names within the genus Nocardioides was greater than 3 %. Strain 2C1-5T was characterized chemotaxonomically as having ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan, MK-8(H4) as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 0 and C17 : 1ω6c as the major fatty acids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 74.9 mol%. These chemotaxonomic properties and phenotypic characteristics supported the affiliation of strain 2C1-5T to the genus Nocardioides . The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain 2C1-5T from existing species with validly published names. Therefore, strain 2C1-5T represents a novel species of the genus Nocardioides , for which the name Nocardioides daeguensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain 2C1-5T ( = JCM 17460T = KCTC 19799T).

A Gram-reaction-positive, non-spore-forming, aerobic actinobacterial strain (2C6-41T) was isolated from the activated sludge from an industrial wastewater treatment plant in Daegu, South Korea. Its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, closest phylogenetic relatives to strain 2C6-41T were Brevibacterium pityocampae DSM 21720T (97.2 %), Brevibacterium salitolerans KCTC 19616T (96.7 %), Brevibacterium album KCTC 19173T (96.2 %) and Brevibacterium samyangense KCCM 42316T (96.2 %). The DNA G+C content of strain 2C6-41T was 66.4 mol%. Chemotaxonomic data, which included MK-8(H2) as the major menaquinone; meso-diaminopimelic acid, glutamic acid and alanine as cell-wall amino acids; ribose, mannose and glucose as major cell-wall sugars; and anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0, C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0 as major fatty acids, supported the affiliation of strain 2C6-41T to the genus Brevibacterium . The aromatic ring cleavage enzyme catechol 1,2-dioxygenase was not detected in strain 2C6-41T, but catechol 2,3-dioxygenase was detected. The results of physiological and biochemical tests, and the low level of DNA–DNA relatedness to the closest phylogenetic relative enabled strain 2C6-41T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from recognized species of the genus Brevibacterium . The isolate is therefore considered to represent a novel species in the genus Brevibacterium , for which the name Brevibacterium daeguense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2C6-41T ( = KCTC 19800T = JCM 17458T).

A novel α-L-arabinofuranosidase (Abf22-3) that could biotransform ginsenoside Rc into Rd was obtained from the ginsenoside converting Leuconostoc sp. strain 22-3, isolated from the Korean fermented food kimchi. The gene, termed abf22-3, consisting of 1,527 bp and encoding a protein with a predicted molecular mass of 58,486 Da was cloned into the pMAL-c2x (TEV) vector. A BLAST search using the Abf22-3's amino acid sequence revealed significant homology to that of family 51 glycoside hydrolases. The over-expressed recombinant Abf22-3 in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) catalyzed the hydrolysis of the arabinofuranoside moiety attached to the C-20 position of ginsenoside Rc under optimal conditions of pH 6.0 and 30 °C. This result indicated that Abf22-3 selectively converts ginsenoside Rc into Rd, but did not catalyze the hydrolysis of glucopyranosyl groups from Rc or other ginsenosides such as Rb1 and Rb2. Over-expressed recombinant enzymes were purified by two steps with amylose-affinity and DEAE-cellulose chromatography and then characterized. The kinetic parameters for α-L-arabinofuranosidase showed apparent Km and Vmax values of 0.95 ± 0.02 μM and 1.2 ± 0.1 μmol min(-1) mg of protein(-1) against p-nitrophenyl-α-L-arabinofuranoside, respectively. Using a purified MBP-Abf22-3 (10 μg/ml), 0.1 % of ginsenoside Rc was completely converted to ginsenoside Rd within 20 min.

During screening for 4-chlorophenol-degrading micro-organisms in activated sludge from industrial wastewater treatment, a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterial strain, designated 2C6-43T, was isolated and characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 2C6-43T belongs to the family Bogoriellaceae , class Actinobacteria , and is related most closely to Georgenia soli CC-NMPT-T3T (98.8 % sequence similarity), Georgenia muralis 1A-CT (97.6 %), Georgenia thermotolerans TT02-04T (96.8 %), Georgenia ruanii YIM 004T (96.6 %) and Georgenia halophila YIM 93316T (96.0 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain 2C6-43T was 66.2 mol%. Sugars from whole-cell hydrolysates found in strain 2C6-43T were rhamnose, ribose and galactose. The menaquinone MK-8(H4) was detected as the predominant quinone. Polar lipid analysis of 2C6-43T revealed diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylglycerol. An aromatic compound ring cleavage enzyme of catechol 1,2-dioxygenase was detected but catechol 2,3-dioxygenase was not detected in 2C6-43T. A fatty acid profile with anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0 as the major components supported the affiliation of strain 2C6-43T to the genus Georgenia . However, the DNA–DNA relatedness between strain 2C6-43T and the type strains of five species of the genus Georgenia ranged from 17 to 40 %, clearly showing that the isolate constitutes a new genospecies. Strain 2C6-43T could be clearly differentiated from its phylogenetic neighbours on the basis of some phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic features. Therefore, strain 2C6-43T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Georgenia , for which the name Georgenia daeguensis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is 2C6-43T ( = KCTC 19801T = JCM 17459T).

A novel beta-proteobacterium, designated BXN5-27(T), was isolated from soil of a ginseng field of Baekdu Mountain in China, and was characterized using a polyphasic approach. The strain was Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, motile, non-spore-forming, and rod shaped. Strain BXN5-27(T) exhibited beta-glucosidase activity that was responsible for its ability to transform ginsenoside Rb₁ (one of the dominant active components of ginseng) to compound Rd. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that this strain belonged to the family Comamonadaceae; it was most closely related to Ramlibacter henchirensis TMB834(T) and Ramlibacter tataouinensis TTB310(T) (96.4% and 96.3% similarity, respectively). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 68.1%. The major menaquinone was Q-8. The major fatty acids were C₁₆:₀, summed feature 4 (comprising C₁₆:₁ omega7c and/or iso-C₁₅:₀ 2OH), and C₁₇:₀ cyclo. Genomic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain BXN5-27(T) to the genus Ramlibacter. However, physiological and biochemical tests differentiated it phenotypically from the other established species of Ramlibacter. Therefore, the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Ramlibacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain being BXN5-27(T) (= DSM 23480(T) = LMG 24525(T) = KCTC 22276(T)).

A Gram-reaction-positive, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterium (strain BX5-10T) was isolated from the soil of a ginseng field on Baekdu Mountain in Jilin district, China. The taxonomic position of this bacterium was determined in an investigation based on a polyphasic approach. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain BX5-10T was shown to belong to the family Nocardioidaceae and to be most closely related to Nocardioides plantarum NCIMB 12834T (96.5 % sequence similarity), Nocardioides dokdonensis KCTC 19309T (96.2 %) and Nocardioides fonticola NAA-13T (95.1 %). Strain BX5-10T was characterized chemotaxonomically as having ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid in its cell-wall peptidoglycan, MK-8(H4) as the predominant menaquinone and C18 : 1ω9c, C16 : 0 and C17 : 1ω8c as its major fatty acids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 70.3 mol%. The novel strain could be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from all recognized species of the genus Nocardioides. Based on the results of the phylogenetic analyses and the genotypic and phenotypic data, a novel species, Nocardioides ginsengagri sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is BX5-10T ( = KCTC 19467T = DSM 21362T).

A novel gammaproteobacterium, designated LnR5-47T, was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in Liaoning province, China. The isolate was a Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming rod. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain LnR5-47T belonged to the genus Rhodanobacter. The isolate was most closely related to Rhodanobacter ginsengisoli GR17-7T, Rhodanobacter terrae GP18-1T, Dyella ginsengisoli Gsoil 3046T, Rhodanobacter soli DCY45T, Dyella soli JS12-10T and Dyella japonica IAM 15069T (98.0, 97.9, 97.7, 97.3, 97.2 and 97.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). Chemotaxonomic data (Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone, and iso-C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 1ω9c and iso-C15 : 0 as the major fatty acids) also supported the affiliation of strain LnR5-47T with the genus Rhodanobacter. However, DNA–DNA relatedness between strain LnR5-47T and its closest phylogenetic neighbours was Rhodanobacter. Therefore, strain LnR5-47T represents a novel species, for which the name Rhodanobacter panaciterrae sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is LnR5-47T ( = KACC 12826T = KCTC 22232T = LMG 24460T).

A new β-glucosidase gene (bglSp) was cloned from the ginsenoside converting Sphingomonas sp. strain 2F2 isolated from the ginseng cultivating filed. The bglSp consisted of 1344 bp (447 amino acid residues) with a predicted molecular mass of 49,399 Da. A BLAST search using the bglSp sequence revealed significant homology to that of glycoside hydrolase superfamily 1. This enzyme was overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) using a pET21-MBP (TEV) vector system. Overexpressed recombinant enzymes which could convert the ginsenosides Rb(1), Rb(2), Rc and Rd to the more pharmacological active rare ginsenosides gypenoside XVII, ginsenoside C-O, ginsenoside C-Mc(1) and ginsenoside F(2), respectively, were purified by two steps with Amylose-affinity and DEAE-Cellulose chromatography and characterized. The kinetic parameters for β-glucosidase showed the apparent K(m) and V(max) values of 2.9±0.3 mM and 515.4±38.3 μmol min(-1)mg of protein(-1) against p-nitrophenyl-β-d-glucopyranoside. The enzyme could hydrolyze the outer C3 glucose moieties of ginsenosides Rb(1), Rb(2), Rc and Rd into the rare ginsenosides Gyp XVII, C-O, C-Mc(1) and F(2) quickly at optimal conditions of pH 5.0 and 37°C. A little ginsenoside F(2) production from ginsenosides Gyp XVII, C-O, and C-Mc(1) was observed for the lengthy enzyme reaction caused by the side ability of the enzyme.

Two strains, designated B1-1T and B6-8T, were isolated from the Geumho River and the Dalseo Stream in Korea. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed a clear affiliation of these two bacteria with the class Alphaproteobacteria, their closest relatives being Kaistia adipata KCTC 12095T, Kaistia granuli KCTC 12575T, Kaistia soli KACC 12605T and Kaistia terrae KACC 12910T with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95.3 –97.7 % to the two novel strains. Strains B1-1T and B6-8T shared a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value of 96.1 %. Cells of the two strains were Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, non-motile, short rods or cocci. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c, C18 : 0 and C19 : 0ω8c cyclo for strain B1-1T and C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c, C18 : 0, C18 : 1 2-OH, and C19 : 0ω8c cyclo for strain B6-8T. The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of the strains B1-1T and B6-8T were 61.6 and 66.5 mol%, respectively. Based on the results of this polyphasic study, strains B1-1T ( = KCTC 12849T = DSM 18799T) and B6-8T ( = KCTC 12850T = DSM 18800T) represent two novel species of the genus Kaistia, for which the names Kaistia geumhonensis sp. nov. and Kaistia dalseonensis sp. nov. are proposed, respectively.

A Gram-reaction-positive, rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium, designated Gsoil 1105T, was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon Province in South Korea and characterized in order to determine its taxonomic position. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the isolate belongs to the order Bacillales, showing the highest level of sequence similarity with respect to Tumebacillus permanentifrigoris Eur1 9.5T (94.6 %). The phylogenetic distances from other described species with validly published names within the order Bacillales were greater than 9.0 %. Strain Gsoil 1105T had a genomic DNA G+C content of 55.6 mol% and menaquinone 7 (MK-7) as the major respiratory quinone. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Gsoil 1105T represents a novel species of the genus Tumebacillus, for which the name Tumebacillus ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 1105T ( = KCTC 13942T = DSM 18389T).

The Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod shaped bacterial strain designated TR6-03(T) was isolated from compost, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Strain TR6-03(T) grew at 4-42°C and at pH 6.0-8.0 on R2A and nutrient agar without NaCl supplement. Strain TR6-03(T) had β-glucosidase activity, which was responsible for its ability to transform ginsenoside Re (one of the dominant active components of ginseng) to Rg(2). On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain TR6-03(T) was shown to belong to the family Sphingobacteriaceae and to be related to Mucilaginibacter lappiensis ANJLI2(T) (96.3% sequence similarity), M. dorajii FR-f4(T) (96.1%), and M. rigui WPCB133(T) (94.1%). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 45.6%. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C(16:1) ω7c and/or iso-C(15:0) 20H), iso-C(16:0) and iso-C(17:0) 3OH. DNA and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain TR6-03(T) to the genus Mucilaginibacter. Strain TR6-03(T) could be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from the recognized species of the genus Mucilaginibacter. The isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Mucilaginibacter composti sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain TR6-03(T) (=KACC 14956(T) = KCTC 12642(T) =LMG 23497(T)).

A Gram-staining-positive, coccus-shaped, non-spore-forming, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated AC-1T, was isolated from an acidogenic fermentation bioreactor treating food wastewater. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain AC-1T was shown to belong to the genus Vagococcus. The closest phylogenetic relatives were Vagococcus elongatus PPC9T (97.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Vagococcus penaei CD276T (96.7 %) and Vagococcus carniphilus ATCC BAA-640T (96.6 %). The major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω9c (24.8 %) and C16 : 0 (19.5 %) and the G+C content of genomic DNA was 44.2 mol%, which supported the affiliation of strain AC-1T to the genus Vagococcus. Strain AC-1T and V. elongatus DSM 21480T exhibited 11 % DNA–DNA relatedness. Physiological and biochemical tests differentiated strain AC-1T from the type strains of recognized species of the genus Vagococcus. Therefore, strain AC-1T is considered to represent a novel species, for which the name Vagococcus acidifermentans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AC-1T ( = KCTC 13418T = LMG 24798T).

A Gram-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming, aerobic, coccoid-shaped bacterium, designated BXN5-13T, was isolated from the soil of a ginseng field from Baekdu Mountain in Jilin district, China. Strain BXN5-13T grew optimally at 30 °C and pH 6.5–7.5 with 0–2 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain BXN5-13T had β-glucosidase activity that was connected with ginsenoside-converting ability, so that it was able to convert ginsenoside Rb1 to ginsenoside F2. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the closest phylogenetic relatives of strain BXN5-13T were Phycicoccus aerophilus 5516T-20T (98.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), P. bigeumensis MSL-03T (98.3 %), P. dokdonensis DS-8T (97.9 %) and P. jejuensis KSW2-15T (96.9 %). Lower sequence similarity (Intrasporangiaceae. The predominant quinone was MK-8(H4). The major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C15 : 0, C17 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The chemotaxonomic data and the high genomic DNA G+C content of strain BXN5-13T (70.8 mol%) supported its affiliation with the genus Phycicoccus. DNA–DNA relatedness between strain BXN5-13T and its closest phylogenetic neighbours was below 16 %. Strain BXN5-13T represents a novel species within the genus Phycicoccus, for which the name Phycicoccus ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BXN5-13T (=KCTC 19419T=DSM 21006T=LMG 24462T).

A Gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated HU1-GD12T, was isolated from freshwater sediment. The strain was characterized by using a polyphasic approach in order to determine its taxonomic position. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the isolate constituted a distinct branch within the genus Sphingobium, showing the highest level of sequence similarity with respect to Sphingobium ummariense RL-3T (96.2 %). Strain HU1-GD12T had a genomic DNA G+C content of 66.8 mol% and Q-10 as the predominant respiratory quinone. Furthermore, the major polyamine component (spermidine) in the cytoplasm and the presence of sphingoglycolipids suggested that strain HU1-GD12T belonged to the family Sphingomonadaceae. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain HU1-GD12T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobium, for which the name Sphingobium vulgare sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HU1-GD12T (=LMG 24321T=KCTC 22289T).

Bacillus thuringiensis produces crystal proteins (Cry) that account for up to 25% of the dry cell weight during the stationary phase. The high-level expression and stationary phase-specific autoinduction of the cry gene led to development of a cry promoter-based Bacillus expression system. Among the various cry promoters, cry3Aa promoter was selected by comparing the lacZ expression levels in Bacillus subtilis. An extracellular enzyme cellulase was highly upregulated during the stationary phase while under control of the cry3Aa promoter. Improvement of the cry3Aa promoter was obtained by modification of the promoter sequence. Specifically, a 5-fold increase in lacZ expression was obtained by changing both the -35 and -10 boxes of the cry3Aa promoter to the consensus sequence of the sigma(A)-dependent promoter of B. subtilis. The modified cry3Aa promoter produced a significantly higher yield of AprE, which suggests that the promoter may be useful for high-level protein expression in B. subtilis.

A Gram-negative, aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, non-spore-forming, motile, rod-shaped bacterium (strain Gsoil 3165T) was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon, South Korea. Its taxonomic position was determined by using a polyphasic approach. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain Gsoil 3165T was shown to belong to the family Comamonadaceae, class Betaproteobacteria, and was related most closely to the type strains of Variovorax boronicumulans (98.9 % similarity), Variovorax paradoxus (98.3 %), Variovorax soli (98.2 %) and Variovorax dokdonensis (96.6 %). Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain Gsoil 3165T and the type strains of other species in the family Comamonadaceae were less than 97.0 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Gsoil 3165T was 66 mol%. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data (Q-8 as the major ubiquinone; C16 : 0 and C17 : 0 cyclo as major fatty acids) supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 3165T to the genus Variovorax. The results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain Gsoil 3165T from recognized Variovorax species. Gsoil 3165T is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Variovorax, for which the name Variovorax ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 3165T (=KCTC 12583T =LMG 23392T).

A Gram-positive, aerobic or facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium, strain Gsoil 1138T, was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon Province, South Korea, and was characterized in order to determine its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain Gsoil 1138T was shown to belong to the family Paenibacillaceae and was most closely related to the type strains of Paenibacillus chondroitinus (98.2 % similarity) and Paenibacillus alginolyticus (96.5 %). Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain Gsoil 1138T and the type strains of other recognized species of the genus Paenibacillus were below 96.5 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Gsoil 1138T was 52.1±0.2 mol% (mean±sd of three determinations). Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data (MK-7 as the major menaquinone and anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0 as the predominant fatty acids) supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 1138T to the genus Paenibacillus. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization experiments and physiological and biochemical tests allowed strain Gsoil 1138T to be distinguished genotypically and phenotypically from recognized species of the genus Paenibacillus. Strain Gsoil 1138T is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus pocheonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 1138T (=KCTC 13941T=LMG 23404T).

A Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, aerobic bacterium, designated Gsoil 001T, was isolated from the soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon province, South Korea. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain Gsoil 001T was shown to belong to the genus Kribbella. The closest phylogenetic relatives were Kribbella koreensis LM 161T (99.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Kribbella flavida KACC 20248T (98.8 %) and Kribbella alba (98.8%). Lower similarity (98.4–96.9 %) was found with the other recognized species of the genus Kribbella. The major quinone was MK-9(H4), the major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0 and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid. These chemotaxonomic data and the high genomic DNA G+C content (66.3 mol%) supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 001T to the genus Kribbella. The results of physiological and biochemical tests differentiated strain Gsoil 001T genotypically and phenotypically from the Kribbella species with validly published names. Therefore, this isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Kribbella ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain Gsoil 001T (=KCTC 19134T =DSM 17941T).

A novel gammaproteobacterium, designated Gsoil 3054(T), was isolated from soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon province, South Korea, and was characterized using a polyphasic approach to determine its taxonomic position. The strain was Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain belonged to the genus Rhodanobacter; it was most closely related to Rhodanobacter fulvus Jip2(T) and Rhodanobacter thiooxydans LCS2(T) (97.9 and 97.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). Chemotaxonomic data, i.e. Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and iso-C(15 : 0), 10-methyl C(16 : 0) and iso-C(17 : 0) as major fatty acids, also supported classification of strain Gsoil 3054(T) in the genus Rhodanobacter. However, DNA-DNA hybridization values of Gsoil 3054(T) with R. fulvus Jip2(T) and R. thiooxydans LCS2(T) were 45 and 31 %, respectively. Moreover, physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain Gsoil 3054(T) to be differentiated phenotypically from other established species of Rhodanobacter. Therefore, the isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Rhodanobacter ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is Gsoil 3054(T) (=KACC 12822(T) =DSM 21013(T) =KCTC 22231(T) =LMG 24457(T)).

A Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated TR6-06(T), was isolated from a compost sample in South Korea and characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. The organism grew optimally at 30 degrees C and pH 6.5-7.0. The isolate was positive for catalase and oxidase tests, but negative for gelatinase and urease and for indole and H(2)S production. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain TR6-06(T) was most closely affiliated with members of the genus Pedobacter of the family Sphingobacteriaceae. Strain TR6-06(T) exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 89.9-93.5 % to the type strains of species of the genus Pedobacter. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain TR6-06(T) was 41.9 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH, C(16 : 1)omega7c and anteiso-C(15 : 0). These chemotaxonomic data support the affiliation of strain TR6-06(T) to the genus Pedobacter. However, on the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain TR6-06(T) (=KCTC 12638(T)=LMG 23490(T)) should be classified as the type strain of a novel species, for which the name Pedobacter composti sp. nov. is proposed.

Although, there have been many published bacterial strains aerobically degrading the heterocyclic amine compounds, only one strain to date has been reported to degrade pyrrolidine under denitrifying conditions. In this study, denitrifying bacteria degrading pyrrolidine and piperidine were isolated from diverse geological and ecological origins through selective enrichment procedures. Based on the comparative sequence results of 16S rRNA genes, 30 heterocyclic amine-degrading isolates were grouped into ten distinct phylotypes belonging to the genera Thauera, Castellaniella, Rhizobium, or Paracoccus of the phylum Proteobacteria. The representative isolates of individual phylotypes were characterized by phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomical traits, and dissimilatory nitrite reductase gene (nirK and nirS). All isolates completely degraded pyrrolidine and piperidine under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The anaerobic degradations were coupled to nitrate reduction. A metabolic pathway for the anaerobic degradation of pyrrolidine was proposed on the basis of enzyme activities implicated in pyrrolidine metabolism from three isolates. The three key pyrrolidine-metabolizing enzymes pyrrolidine dehydrogenase, gamma-aminobutyrate/alpha-ketoglutarate aminotransferase, and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, were induced by heterocyclic amines under denitrifying conditions. They were also induced in cells grown aerobically on heterocyclic amines, suggesting that the anaerobic degradation of pyrrolidine shares the pathway with aerobic degradation.

In an effort to detect rapidly and conveniently the infectious waterborne group A human rotaviruses that cause diarrhea in infants and children, the authors developed the first-ever cell-culture-based immunochromatography method. An immunochromatography kit interacted only with the human rotaviruses VP6 antigen, and the cell-culture-based immunochromatography detected group A human rotaviruses with a sensitivity as low as 1.99 TCID50 ml(-1). This detection sensitivity was similar to that of the cytopathic effect-based method. There were no actual differences between the sensitivity of this method and that of the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method, which is known as a method with a relatively high sensitivity. Furthermore, while cell culture detection methods, that is total culturable virus assay, can determine only the presence of infectious waterborne viruses, the cell-culture-based immunochromatography is advantageous for the accurate detection of group A human rotaviruses. Compared with the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method, the cell-culture-based immunochromatography is advantageous because it requires a relatively simple process that enables easy quality controls and low test costs. Thus, this study proposed a new method for the identification of group A human rotaviruses, and it is suggested that this cell-culture-based immunochromatography may be applied to detect group A human rotaviruses in aquatic environments.

A Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterial strain, K106(T), was isolated from wastewater collected from a textile dye works in Korea. Strain K106(T) grew optimally at pH 7.0-7.5 and 30-37 degrees C in the presence of 0-1.0% (w/v) NaCl. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain K106(T) joined the type strain of Chelatococcus asaccharovorans with a bootstrap resampling value of 99.9%. The predominant ubiquinone of strain K106(T) was Q-10. The fatty acid profile of strain K106(T) was similar to that of C. asaccharovorans DSM 6462(T). Major polar lipids of strain K106(T) and C. asaccharovorans DSM 6462(T) were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two aminolipids and two unidentified phospholipids. sym-Homospermidine, spermidine and putrescine were major polyamines. The DNA G+C content was 68.3 mol%. Strain K106(T) exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 96.6% to the type strain of C. asaccharovorans. DNA-DNA relatedness data and differential phenotypic properties, particularly differences in cell morphology and the ability to utilize nitrilotriacetate, demonstrated that strain K106(T) can be differentiated from C. asaccharovorans. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genetic data, strain K106(T) represents a novel species of the genus Chelatococcus, for which the name Chelatococcus daeguensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is K106(T) (=KCTC 12979(T) =CCUG 54519(T)).

A Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated as Ko03(T), was isolated from microbial granules, and was characterized, using a polyphasic approach, in order to determine its taxonomic position. The isolate was positive for catalase and oxidase, but negative for gelatinase and beta-galactosidase. Phylogenetic analyses using the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the strain formed a monophyletic branch towards the periphery of the evolutionary radiation occupied by the genus Comamonas, its closest neighbors being Comamonas koreensis KCTC 12005(T) (95.9% sequence similarity), Comamonas nitrativorans DSM 13191(T) (95.7%), and Comamonas odontotermitis LMG 23579(T) (95.7%). Strain Ko03(T) had a genomic DNA G+C content of 68.4 mol% and the predominant respiratory quinone was Q-8. The major fatty acids were C(16:1) omega7c (44.7%), C(16:0) (28.1%), C(18:1) (16.1%), and C(10:0) 3-OH (3.5%). These chemo-taxonomic results supported the affiliation of strain Ko03(T) to the genus Comamonas. However, low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values and distinguishing phenotypic characteristics allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain Ko03(T) from recognized Comamonas species. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Ko03(T) represents a novel species of the genus Comamonas, for which the name Comamonas granuli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Ko03(T) (=KCTC 12199(T)=NBRC 101663(T)).

Three novel strains, designated Gsoil 034T, Gsoil 060T and Jip13T, isolated from soil from a ginseng field and compost in South Korea, were characterized using a polyphasic approach to clarify their taxonomic positions. These isolates were found to be Gram-negative, aerobic and heterotrophic, non-spore-forming, non-motile and rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that these three isolates formed a cluster with the monospecific genus Olivibacter within the family Sphingobacteriaceae but were clearly separated from Olivibacter sitiensis. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between these isolates and the type strain of O. sitiensis were in the range 88.5-90.1 %. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data (MK-7 as the major isoprenoid quinone and iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1omega7c, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids) supported the affiliation of these strains to the genus Olivibacter. However, the results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of the isolates from Olivibacter species with validly published names. Therefore strains Gsoil 034T, Gsoil 060T and Jip13T represent three novel species of the genus Olivibacter, for which the names Olivibacter soli sp. nov. (type strain Gsoil 034T =KCTC 12645T =LMG 23492T), Olivibacter ginsengisoli sp. nov. (type strain Gsoil 060T =KCTC 12646T =LMG 23491T) and Olivibacter terrae sp. nov. (type strain Jip13T =KCTC 12644T =LMG 23494T) are proposed.

A taxonomic study was carried out on Gsoil 085T, a bacterial strain isolated from a soil sample from a ginseng field in Pocheon Province (South Korea). Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies showed a clear affiliation of this bacterium to the family 'Flexibacteraceae' and indicated that the closest relative was Emticicia oligotrophica GPTSA100-15T (94.6 % sequence similarity). Lower sequence similarities (

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, red-pink bacterium, designated strain PB17T, was isolated from grass soil in the Republic of Korea and its taxonomic position was investigated by means of a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain PB17T belonged to the genus Hymenobacter. Sequence similarities between strain PB17T and the type strains of Hymenobacter species with validly published names ranged from 90.1 to 91.8 %. The predominant cellular fatty acids in strain PB17T were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 4 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1 omega 7c), C16 : 1 omega 5c and anteiso-C15 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 58.8 mol%. The results of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characterization indicated that strain PB17T can be distinguished from all known Hymenobacter species and represents a novel species, for which the name Hymenobacter soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PB17T (=KCTC 12607T =LMG 24240T).

A Gram-negative, chemo-organotrophic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium (designated strain Ko04T) was isolated from anaerobic granules in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor, and was investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Ko04T belongs to the order Rhizobiales in the Alphaproteobacteria. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain Ko04T was most closely related to Kaistia adipata (97.5 %) and that sequence similarities with other species of Rhizobiales with validly published names were less than 92.5 %. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10 and the major fatty acids were C18 : 1 ω7c/ω9t/ω12t, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and C18 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Ko04T was 67.8 mol%. The level of DNA–DNA relatedness with K. adipata Chj404T was 15 %. The results of the genotypic analyses in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data demonstrated that strain Ko04T represents a novel species within the genus Kaistia, for which the name Kaistia granuli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Ko04T (=KCTC 12575T=LMG 23410T).

Two bacterial strains, designated Gsoil 322T and Gsoil 328, were isolated from soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon province (Republic of Korea). The strains were Gram-negative, motile, aerobic rods that showed nearly identical physiological profiles and similar chemotaxonomic profiles. The two strains were oxidase-positive but catalase-negative, reduced nitrate to nitrite and had fatty acid profiles in which C16 : 0, C17 : 0 cyclo and C16 : 1 ω7c/iso-C15 : 0 2-OH were predominant. The DNA G+C contents of Gsoil 322T and Gsoil 328 were 66.6 and 66.7 mol%, respectively. Q-8 was observed as the major quinone. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain Gsoil 322T belongs to the class Betaproteobacteria and was most closely related to Methylibium petroleiphilum ATCC BAA-1232T (97.5 % sequence similarity). On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Gsoil 322T (=KCTC 12591T =LMG 23394T) was classified in the genus Methylibium as the type strain of a novel species, for which the name Methylibium fulvum sp. nov. is proposed.

A total of 34 Halomonas strains were isolated from saline water in Anmyeondo, Korea. Ten of these strains, considered to belong to novel species, were subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. The strains were Gram-negative, moderately halophilic, motile and non-spore-forming rods that contained Q-9 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1 ω7c, C16 : 0 and either summed feature 4 (C16 : 1 ω7c/C15 : 0 iso 2-OH) or C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c as the major fatty acids. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, showed that the ten isolates formed four separate lineages in the genus Halomonas. Combined phenotypic data and DNA–DNA hybridization data supported the conclusion that they represent four novel species in the genus Halomonas, for which the names Halomonas gomseomensis sp. nov. (type strain M12T=KCTC 12662T=DSM 18042T), Halomonas janggokensis sp. nov. (type strain M24T=KCTC 12663T=DSM 18043T), Halomonas salaria sp. nov. (type strain M27T=KCTC 12664T=DSM 18044T) and Halomonas denitrificans sp. nov. (type strain M29T=KCTC 12665T=DSM 18045T) are proposed.

A novel, moderately halophilic, Gram-positive coccus, designated strain S2R53-5T, was isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood. The organism was strictly aerobic, non-motile, non-sporulating and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Strain S2R53-5T grew in the presence of 0.5–15 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 6.5–11.0, with optimum growth at 5 % (w/v) NaCl and pH 7.0. The temperature range for growth was 20.0–30.0 °C, with an optimum temperature of 30 °C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain S2R53-5T belongs to the family Staphylococcaceae and was most closely related to Salinicoccus roseus DSM 5351T (96.8 % gene sequence similarity), Salinicoccus hispanicus DSM 5352T (96.1 %), Salinicoccus alkaliphilus T8T (95.2 %) and Jeotgalicoccus halotolerans YKJ-101T (95.1 %). The genomic DNA G+C content was 47.0 mol%, which is in the range of 46–51 mol% that is characteristic for the genus Salinicoccus. Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain S2R53-5T and S. roseus DSM 5351T, S. hispanicus DSM 5352T and S. alkaliphilus KCTC 13928T were 32.2, 15.4 and 4.6 %, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data (major menaquinone, MK-6; major fatty acids, iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0; cell-wall murein type, Lys and Gly) and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis supported the affiliation of strain S2R53-5T with the genus Salinicoccus. The combined evidence from the low DNA–DNA relatedness, physiological, biochemical and other genotypic data indicate that strain S2R53-5T clearly represents a novel species of the genus Salinicoccus, for which the name Salinicoccus jeotgali sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S2R53-5T (=KCTC 13030T=LMG 23640T).

A Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated Gsoil 042T, was isolated from a soil sample of a ginseng field in Pocheon province (South Korea) and was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. The isolate was positive for catalase and oxidase, but negative for gelatinase and production of indole and H2S. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 4 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH; 35.7 %), iso-C15 : 0 (24.3 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (11.6 %). Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain Gsoil 042T fell within the radiation of the cluster comprising Pedobacter species. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, the phylogenetically closest recognized species of the genus Pedobacter to strain Gsoil 042T included Pedobacter heparinus DSM 2366T (98.1 %), Pedobacter africanus DSM 12126T (97.8 %) and Pedobacter caeni LMG 22862T (97.2 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with other recognized species of the genus Pedobacter was less than 96.1 %. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments showed that the DNA–DNA relatedness between strain Gsoil 042T and its phylogenetically closest neighbours was less than 43 %. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Gsoil 042T should be classified as representing a novel species in the genus Pedobacter, for which the name Pedobacter panaciterrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 042T (=KCTC 12594T=LMG 23400T).

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated Gsoil 104T, was isolated from a soil sample from a ginseng field in Pocheon Province (South Korea) and was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, strain Gsoil 104Twas shown to belong to the familySphingobacteriaceae, being related toPedobacter africanusDSM 12126T(97.0 %),Pedobacter caeniLMG 22862T(96.9 %),Pedobacter cryoconitisDSM 14825T(96.8 %) andPedobacter heparinusDSM 2366T(96.6 %). The phylogenetic distance from any otherPedobacterspecies with a validly published name was greater than 3.4 % (i.e. Tand its phylogenetically closest neighbours were below 37 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 43.6 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were C16 : 1ω7c, iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C17 : 03-OH and iso-C15 : 02-OH. These chemotaxonomic data support the affiliation of strain Gsoil 104Tto the genusPedobacter. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Gsoil 104Trepresents a novel species in the genusPedobacter, for which the namePedobacter ginsengisolisp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Gsoil 104T(=KCTC 12576T=LMG 23399T).

A Gram-positive, aerobic or facultative anaerobic, motile, spore-forming bacterial strain, designated Gsoil 1638T, was isolated from a soil sample of a ginseng field in Pocheon province (South Korea), and was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. It grew well on nutrient agar medium, utilized a fairly narrow spectrum of carbon sources and tolerated 10% NaCl. The isolate was positive for catalase and oxidase tests but negative for the degradation of macromolecules such as casein, collagen, starch, chitin, CM-cellulose, xylan and DNA. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 50.7 mol%. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0 (44%) and C16:0 (25%). Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain Gsoil 1638T fell within the radiation of the cluster comprising Paenibacillus species and joined Paenibacillus anaericanus DSM 15890T with a bootstrap value of 100%. These two strains shared 99.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with each other. The phylogenetic distance from any other validly described species within the genus Paenibacillus was less than 96.2%. DNA–DNA relatedness value between strain Gsoil 1638T and its closest phylogenetic neighbor, Paenibacillus anaericanus, was 62%. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Gsoil 1638T (= KCTC 13931T = LMG 23406T = CCUG 52472T) was classified in the genus Paenibacillus as the type strain of a novel species, for which the name Paenibacillus ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed.

The taxonomic position of two lactic-acid-producing bacterial strains, isolated from wheat sourdough in South Korea, was studied using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequences and biochemical and physiological characteristics indicated these two strains to be members of the genus Lactobacillus. They had high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.5 %) with Lactobacillus rossiae DSM 15814T and very low (Lactobacillus. These two strains (designated M1-212T and M2-236) were heterofermentative, facultatively anaerobic, Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, non-motile, short rod-shaped bacteria. The optimum growth temperature for these strains was 30 °C (no growth at 15 or 45 °C) and they were able to tolerate 5 % (w/v) NaCl. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of the two strains was 45.5 mol%, within the range of values reported for the genus Lactobacillus (32–53 mol%). The peptidoglycan was of the A3α (l-lys–d-glu–l-Ala) type. Physiological, biochemical and genotypic data, as well as results of DNA–DNA hybridization of the genomic DNA with one of the closest phylogenetic relatives, L. rossiae DSM 15814T, indicated that the strains represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus, for which the name Lactobacillus siliginis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M1-212T (=KCTC 3985T=NBRC 101315T).

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated TR6-04T, was isolated from compost and characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. The organism grew optimally at 30 °C and at pH 6.5–7.0. The isolate was positive for catalase and oxidase tests but negative for gelatinase, indole and H2S production. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain TR6-04T fell within the radiation of the cluster comprising Sphingobacterium species and clustered with Sphingobacterium mizutaii ATCC 33299T (96.7 % sequence similarity); the similarity to sequences of other species within the family Sphingobacteriaceae was less than 92.0 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 38.7 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 4 (iso-C15 : 0 2-OH and/or C16 : 1 ω7c). These chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain TR6-04T to the genus Sphingobacterium. However, on the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain TR6-04T (=KCTC 12579T=LMG 23402T=CCUG 52468T) should be classified as the type strain of a novel species, for which the name Sphingobacterium daejeonense sp. nov. is proposed.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped bacterium, strain Gsoil 043T, was isolated from soil from a ginseng field in Pocheon province, South Korea. The novel isolate was characterized in order to determine its taxonomic position. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain Gsoil 043T was shown to belong to the family ‘Flexibacteraceae’ and was related to Dyadobacter fermentans (96.7 %), Dyadobacter crusticola (96.3 %) and Dyadobacter hamtensis (95.8 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of the novel strain to other recognized species within the family ‘Flexibacteraceae’ was less than 87.0 %. The G+C content of genomic DNA was 48 mol%. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data (major menaquinone, MK-7; major fatty acids, C16 : 1 ω7c, iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0) supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 043T to the genus Dyadobacter. The results of physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain Gsoil 043T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from the three Dyadobacter species with validly published names. The novel isolate therefore represents a novel species for which the name Dyadobacter ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain Gsoil 043T (=KCTC 12589T=LMG 23409T).

A Gram-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacterium (strain Y9T) was isolated from a contaminated culture of the phototrophic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris, and was investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Y9T belonged to the order Rhizobiales in the Alphaproteobacteria. Comparison of phylogenetic data indicated that it was most closely related to Pleomorphomonas oryzae (98.5 % similarity of 16S rRNA gene sequence), and the phylogenetic distance from any other species of the order Rhizobiales with a validly published name was greater than 7.5 % (i.e. less than 92.5 % similarity). The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10 and the major fatty acids were C18 : 1, C16 : 0, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and C18 : 0. The G+C content of genomic DNA of strain Y9T was 65.1 mol%. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization in combination with chemotaxonomic and physiological data demonstrated that strain Y9T represents a novel species within the genus Pleomorphomonas, for which the name Pleomorphomonas koreensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Y9T (=KCTC 12246T=NBRC 100803T)

Aims: The aim of the present study was to isolate and characterize a bacterium, strain EN3, capable of using diesel oil as a major carbon and energy source, and to analyse the enhancement of diesel oil degradation by this organism using synthetic mycolic acid (2-hexyl-3-hydroxyldecanoic acid). Method and Results: An actinomycete with the ability to degrade diesel oil was isolated from oil contaminated soil and characterized. The strain had phenotypic properties consistent with its classification in the genus Rhodococcus showing a 16S rRNA gene similarity of 99·7% with Rhodococcus baikonurensis DSM 44587T. The ability of the characterized strain to degrade diesel oil at various concentrations (1000, 5000, 10 000 and 20 000 mg l−1) was determined. The effect of synthetic mycolic acid on the biodegradation of diesel oil was investigated at the 20 000 mg l−1 concentration; the surfactant was added to the flask cultures at three different concentrations (10, 50 and 100 mg l−1) and degradation followed over 7 days. Enhanced degradation was found at all three concentrations of the surfactant. In addition, the enhancement of diesel oil degradation by other surfactants was observed. Conclusions: The synthetic mycolic acid has potential for the remediation of petroleum-contaminated sites from both an economic and applied perspective as it can stimulate biodegradation at low concentrations. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study showed that the synthesized mycolic acid can be used for potential applications in the bioremediation industries, for example, in oil spill clean-up, diesel fuel remediation and biostimulation.

A bacterial strain (designated BB4T), which has β-glucosidase activity, was isolated from soil around the roots of bamboo plants. Cells were Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile and straight-rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed a clear affiliation with members of the family ‘Xanthomonadaceae’. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain BB4T showed the following sequence similarities: 97·7 % to Dyella japonica XD53T, 97·1 % to Frateuria aurantia LMG 1558T, 96·2 % to Fulvimonas soli LMG 19981T, 94·3 % to Rhodanobacter lindaniclasticus RP5575T and Gammaproteobacteria’. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 63·8 mol%. The major fatty acids were branched forms, especially large proportions of iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1 ω9c, similar to the profile of the genus Dyella. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization with D. japonica XD53T and Frateuria aurantia LMG 1558T, in combination with phenotypic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, demonstrated that strain BB4T should be classified as a novel Dyella species. The name Dyella koreensis sp. nov. is proposed, with strain BB4T (=KCTC 12359T=NBRC 100831T) as the type strain.

The taxonomic positions of Lysobacter species with validly published names and a novel strain Ko07T, which was newly isolated from an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating wastewater from a brewery, were (re)estimated on the basis of results obtained by using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. Phylogenetic inference based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Ko07T and all Lysobacter species with validly published names clustered together in a phylogenetic branch within the class ‘Gammaproteobacteria’. The sequence similarity of strain Ko07T to the type strains of established Lysobacter species was in the range 94·9–96·7 %. Ubiquinone Q-8 and branched fatty acids, C11 : 0 iso, C15 : 0 iso, C16 : 0 iso, iso C17 : 1 ω9c and C11 : 0 iso 3OH, predominantly appeared in strain Ko07T as well as in all type strains of the recognized Lysobacter species. The DNA–DNA hybridization values of strain Ko07T with those of recognized Lysobacter species were estimated to be 2–20 %. Despite sharing common taxonomic features in important phenotypic characteristics, such as gliding movement, long-rod shape and proteolytic activity, strain Ko07T could be distinguished from the Lysobacter species with validly published names by its low DNA–DNA hybridization value, a comparatively low DNA G+C content (63·8 mol%), substrate utilization and some physiochemical characteristics. On the basis of the results obtained in this study, it is proposed that strain Ko07T should be classified as representing a novel member of the genus Lysobacter, for which the name Lysobacter concretionis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Ko07T (=KCTC 12205T=DSM 16239T).

Frequent urban floods and insufficient water supply have led to developing technologies for rainwater utilization in order to buffer extreme runoff situations in the watercourses and to provide an ongoing water supply for non-potable use. However, little information is available on the water qualities and runoff properties of collected rainwater in connection with efficient design and maintenance strategies of rainwater utilization systems. In this work, the characteristics of rainwater were investigated in a full-scale rainwater utilization facility in Korea. Samples of runoff rainwater from various catchment surfaces were analyzed for physico-chemical and microbial determinants including metals, nutrients, pH, turbidity, conductivity, and microorganisms. The pollutant concentrations in rainwater storage tank were also monitored to elucidate the impact of input rainwater quality on stored water property. It is likely that particles and total coliforms are major issues in operating rainwater utilization system. However, further studies will be necessary to address the health effect of rainwater in terms of microbial and ecotoxicological measures.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium (designated strain Kw05T) was isolated from granules used in the wastewater treatment plant of a beer-brewing factory in Kwang-Ju, Republic of Korea. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain Kw05T was shown to belong to the family Flavobacteriaceae, and was most closely related to Flavobacterium limicola (96·6 %), Flavobacterium hibernum (96·3 %), Flavobacterium hydatis (96·1 %) and Flavobacterium xinjiangense (96·1 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Kw05T was 36·2 mol%, within the range of 32–37 mol% for the genus Flavobacterium. Chemotaxonomic data (major menaquinone MK-6; major fatty acids iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and iso-C17 : 1 ω9c) supported the classification of strain Kw05T within the genus Flavobacterium. Kw05T therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Flavobacterium granuli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Kw05T (=KCTC 12201T=IAM 15099T).

Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped bacteria, T7-09T and TR6-08T, were isolated from soil from a ginseng field in South Korea and characterized to determine their taxonomic position. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the two isolates shared 99·5 % sequence similarity. Strains T7-09T and TR6-08T were shown to belong to the Proteobacteria and showed the highest levels of sequence similarity to Pseudoxanthomonas broegbernensis DSM 12573T (98·1 %), Pseudoxanthomonas mexicana AMX 26BT (97·4–97·5 %), Pseudoxanthomonas japonensis 12-3T (96·5–96·6 %), Pseudoxanthomonas taiwanensis ATCC BAA-404T (95·7 %) and Xanthomonas campestris ATCC 33913T (96·3–96·5 %). The sequence similarity values with respect to any species with validly published names in related genera were less than 96·5 %. The detection of a quinone system with Q-8 as the predominant compound and a fatty acid profile with C15 : 0 iso as the predominant acid supported the assignment of the novel isolates to the order ‘Xanthomonadales’. The two isolates could be distinguished from the established species of the genus Pseudoxanthomonas by the presence of quantitative unsaturated fatty acid C17 : 1 iso ω9c and by their unique biochemical profiles. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization clearly demonstrated that T7-09T and TR6-08T represent separate species. On the basis of these data, it is proposed that T7-09T (=KCTC 12208T=IAM 15116T) and TR6-08T (=KCTC 12207T=IAM 15115T) be classified as the type strains of two novel Pseudoxanthomonas species, for which the names Pseudoxanthomonas koreensis sp. nov. and Pseudoxanthomonas daejeonensis sp. nov., respectively, are proposed.

A 4-chlorophenol-degrading bacterial strain, formerly designated as a strain of Comamonas testosteroni, was reclassified as a member of the genus Herbaspirillum based on its phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, as well as phylogenetic analysis using 16S rDNA sequences. Phylogenetic inference based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that strain CPW301T clusters in a phylogenetic branch that contains Herbaspirillum species. 16S rDNA sequence similarity of strain CPW301T to species of the genus Herbaspirillum with validly published names is in the range 98·7–98·9 %. Despite the considerably high 16S rDNA sequence similarity, strain CPW301T could be distinguished clearly from type strains of Herbaspirillum species with validly published names by DNA–DNA relatedness values, which were T is 61·3 mol%. The predominant ubiquinone is Q-8 and the major cellular fatty acids are C16 : 0 and cyclo-C17 : 0. The strain does not fix nitrogen and is not plant-associated. It is an aerobic rod with one unipolar flagellum. On the basis of these characteristics, a novel Herbaspirillum species, Herbaspirillum chlorophenolicum sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain of the novel species is strain CPW301T (=KCTC 12096T=IAM 15024T).

A nitrate-reducing bacterium, strain SPR2(T), was isolated from a sulphur-oxidizing, autotrophic denitrification reactor used for advanced treatment of wastewater from the lake of Sihwa, Korea. The strain was aerobic but could grow under anaerobic conditions. It was Gram-positive, exhibited rough white colonies on complex nutrient agar, produced elementary branching hyphae that fragmented into rod/coccus-like elements and showed chemotaxonomic markers that were consistent with classification in the genus Gordonia, i.e. meso-diaminopimelic acid, arabinose and galactose in whole-cell hydrolysates, N-glycolylmuramic acid in the peptidoglycan wall, unbranched saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids plus tuberculostearic acid (TBSA), mycolic acids that comprised 48-56 carbon atoms and MK-9(H(2)) as the predominant menaquinone. The 16S rDNA sequence of strain SPR2(T) showed highest similarity to Gordonia amicalis DSM 44461(T) and Gordonia hydrophobica DSM 44015(T), with values of 98.2 and 97.9 %, respectively. These values were far below 99.5 % (usually found at the intraspecies level) and they were in the range that separates species at the intrageneric level. The separate phylogenetic position of SPR2(T) was supported by differences in fatty acid and mycolic acid compositions and in carbon utilization tests that distinguished strain SPR2(T) from all known Gordonia species. Combined genotypic and phenotypic data show that strain SPR2(T) merits recognition as a novel species within the genus Gordonia, for which the name Gordonia sihwensis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is SPR2(T) (=DSM 44576(T)=NRRL B-24155(T)).

Three laboratory-scale, upflow anaerobic reactors were operated for about 250 d to determine the effect of activated granular sludge with high density of sulfate reducing bacteria in the treatment of artificial acid mine drainage. Sulfate reducing bacteria in the granular sludge taken from the upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor were 1-2 x 10(6) c.f.u. g(-1), which is at least 10 times higher than that of organic substrates such as cow manure and oak compost. The reactors with granular sludge effectively removed over 99% of heavy metals, such as Fe, Al, Cu, and Cd during the experiment. This result suggests a feasibility of the application of granular sludge as a source of sulfate reducing bacteria for the treatment of acid mine drainage.

Comparative 16S rDNA studies of Nocardia type and reference strains revealed that strain DSM 43406T, identified as Nocardia vaccinii, was wrongly classified. The strain was aerobic, gram-positive and produced scarce, white, branched aerial mycelium and a beige-red substrate mycelium. The reverse side of the colonies was yellow-orange. It showed chemotaxonomic markers that were consistent with its classification in the genus Nocardia. The mycolic acids had chain lengths from 50 to 58 carbon atoms. The 16S rDNA sequence showed the highest similarity to Nocardia nova (97.7%) and N. vaccinii (97.6%), but the strain could be clearly separated from these species and other members of the N. vaccinii cluster by significant differences in biochemical test results and unique fatty acid and mycolic acid patterns. These data led to the conclusion that the isolate represents a novel species within the genus Nocardia, for which the name Nocardia pseudovaccinii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain AR 368,38366-20T (= DSM 43406T = NRRL B-24154T).

Chlorinated guaiacols (4,5,6-trichloro-, 4,5-dichloro-, and 4-chloro-guaiacol) at 0.2 mM were completely degraded by anaerobic digester sludge within 4 d, but complete removal of TeCG could not be attained. The removal rates of chlorinated guaiacols by adsorption and biodegradation were in the following order: 4,5-dichloroguaiacol > 4-chloroguaiacol = 4,5,6-trichloroguaiacol > tetrachloroguaiacol. The most rapid initial TeCG degradation occurred in the glucose-supplemented cultures. However, the degradation rate of 4,5,6-TriCG was not increased significantly by supplementary glucose.

An aerobic, nitrate-respiring bacterium which can degrade phenol under aerobic conditions was isolated and identified as Alcaligenes sp. Under microaerobic culture, the maximum concentration for phenol to be degraded was 0.29 mM in the presence of nitrate/O2 but only 0.16 mM in the presence of O2 alone. Azide (0.1 mM) and Triton X-100 (0.5%) inhibited nitrate reduction and cell growth completely in anoxic culture but had little or no effect on nitrate reduction in aerobic culture.