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A Gram-strain negative, rod-shaped and gliding bacterial strain, designated HD-44(T), was isolated from a tidal flat sediment in the Korean peninsula. Strain HD-44(T) was found to grow optimally at pH 7.0-8.0, at 25° C and in the presence of 2-3% (w/v) NaCl. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HD-44(T) falls within the clade comprising the Maribacter species, clustering with the type strains of Maribacter aquivivus, Maribacter ulvicola, Maribacter stanieri, Maribacter dokdonensis, Maribacter orientalis, Maribacter forsetii, Maribacter arcticus and Maribacter sedimenticola, with which it exhibits 97.1-98.3% sequence similarity values. Sequence similarities to the type strains of the other recognized Maribacter species are 95.6-96.8%. Strain HD-44(T) was found to contain MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C(17:0)3-OH, iso-C(15:1)G, iso-C(15:0) and summed feature 3 (C(16:1)ω6c and/or C(16:1)ω7c) as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain HD-44(T) was determined to be 37.6 mol% and its mean DNA-DNA relatedness values with M. aquivivus KCTC 12968(T), M. ulvicola KCTC 12969(T), M. stanieri KCTC 22023(T), M. dokdonensis DSW-8(T), M. orientalis KCTC 12967(T), M. forsetii KT02ds18-6(T), M. arcticus KCTC 22053(T) and M. sedimenticola KCTC 12966(T) were 27.7-8.0%. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain HD-44(T) is distinguishable from recognized Maribacter species. On the basis of the data presented, strain HD-44(T) is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Maribacter, for which the name Maribacter caenipelagi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HD-44(T) (= KCTC 32549(T) = CECT 8455(T)).

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain DS48-5-3(T), was isolated from a 48 m sediment sample taken from Daechung Reservoir, Republic of Korea. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies showed a clear affiliation of this strain to the Bacteroidetes, notably most closely related to Ferruginibacter alkalilentus HU1-GD23(T), Ferruginibacter lapsinanis HU1-HG42(T) and Ferruginibacter yonginensis HME8442(T), showing 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to the type strains of these species of 95.2-96.4 % similarity. The predominant ubiquinone was identified as MK-7. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH, and iso-C15:1 G. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain DS48-5-3(T) was determined to be 37.2 %. On the basis of polyphasic evidence, it is proposed that strain DS48-5-3(T) should belong to a novel species, for which the name Ferruginibacter profundus sp. nov. (type strain DS48-5-3(T) = KCTC 32478(T) = JCM 19431(T)), is proposed.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, D-17(T), was isolated from mud flats in the Yellow Sea in Korea. Phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain D-17(T) belongs to the genus Pseudoruegeria and it shared 97.5 % similarity with the type strain of Pseudoruegeria haliotis WM67(T). The sequence similarities with Pseudoruegeria litimaris HD-43(T) and Pseudoruegeria aquimaris SW-255(T) were 96.9 and 96.1 %, respectively. Strain D-17(T) was found to grow with 0.5-6 % (w/v) NaCl, at 20-30 °C, and at pH 6.5-8.0. Strain D-17(T) was determined to contain Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c, as defined by the MIDI system) as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified glycolipid, an unidentified lipid and four unidentified phospholipids. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 63.6 mol%. The DNA-DNA relatedness with P. haliotis WM67(T) was 32.5 %. The differential phenotypic properties revealed that strain D-17(T) can be separated from other Pseudoruegeria species. Based on the data presented in this study, strain D-17(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Pseudoruegeria limi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D-17(T) (=KCTC 32460(T) =JCM 19487(T)).

A functional screen of a metagenomic library from "Upo" swamp sediment in Korea identified a gene EstL28, the product of which displayed lipolytic properties on a tributyrin-supplemented medium. The EstL28 sequence encodes a 290 amino acid protein (designated as EstL28), with a predicted molecular weight of 31.3 kDa. The encoded EstL28 protein exhibited the highest sequence similarity (45 %) to a hydrolase found in Streptococcus sanguinis. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that EstL28 belongs to a currently uncharacterized family of esterases. Within the conserved α/β-hydrolase 6 domain, the EstL28 retains the catalytic triad Ser₁₀₃-Asp₂₄₈-His₂₆₈ that is typical of esterases. The Ser103 residue in the catalytic triad is located in the consensus pentapeptide motif GXSXG. The purified EstL28 enzyme worked optimally at 35 °C and pH 8.5 and remained stable at temperatures lower than 20 °C. The catalytic activity of EstL28 was maximal with p-nitrophenyl butyrate, indicating that it was an esterase. This enzyme also exhibited stable activity in the presence of methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide. Therefore, the level of stability in organic solvents and cold temperature suggests that EstL28 has potential for many biotechnological applications.

A halophilic archaeal strain, SA3(T), was isolated from sediment of a solar saltern in Gomso Bay, Republic of Korea. Cells of strain SA3(T) were observed to be coccoid-shaped, to lyse in distilled water, Gram stain-negative and to form red-pigmented colonies. Strain SA3(T) was found to require at least 18 % (w/v) NaCl for growth. Optimal growth was observed at 24 % (w/v) NaCl and 6 % (w/v) MgCl2. The optimum pH and temperature for growth were determined to be pH 7.0 and 40 °C, respectively, while the strain was found to grow within pH and temperature ranges of 5.5-8.0 and 20-45 °C, respectively. The polar lipids were determined to consist of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, unidentified phosphoglycolipids and unidentified phospholipids. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SA3(T) was most closely related to the members of the genus Natronomonas, Natronomonas moolapensis JCM 14361(T) (95.2 %) and Natronomonas pharaonis JCM 8858(T) (95.1 %). The genomic DNA G+C content (61.8 mol%) determined for strain SA3(T) was slightly lower than those of N. moolapensis JCM 14361(T) (63.4 mol%) and N. pharaonis JCM 8858(T) (64.3 mol%). DNA-DNA hybridization values between N. moolapensis JCM 14361(T) and N. pharaonis JCM 8858(T) and strain SA3(T) were <20 %. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, we describe a new species of the genus Natronomonas, represented by strain SA3(T) (=JCM 17867(T) = KCTC 4088(T)), for which we propose the name Natronomonas gomsonensis sp. nov.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, motile, straight or curved rod-shaped marine bacterium was isolated from marine sediment of the East Sea, Korea. The isolated strain, JG120-1(T), grows with 0-5 % (w/v) NaCl and at 15-30 °C and pH 6-9. α-galactosidase activity test was positive. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies showed that this strain belonged to the Alphaproteobacteria and was the most closely related to Hoeflea alexandrii AM1 V30(T), Hoeflea phototrophica DFL-43(T) and Hoeflea marina LMG 128(T) (98.9, 97.9 and 97.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, respectively). Strain JG120-1(T) was found to possess summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c/C18:1ω6c, 71.11 %) as the major cellular fatty acid. The major ubiquinone was determined to be Q-10. Polar lipids include phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain JG120-1(T) was determined to be 57.8 mol %. DNA-DNA relatedness data indicated that strain JG120-1(T) represents a distinct species that is separate from H. phototrophica DFL-43(T), H. marina LMG128(T) and H. alexandrii AM1 V30(T). On the basis of polyphasic evidences, it is proposed that strain JG120-1(T) (= KCTC 23107(T) = JCM 16715(T)) represents the type strain of a novel species, Hoeflea halophila sp. nov.

A Gram-negative, non-motile, facultatively aerobic and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated M-M22(T), was isolated from seashore sediment on the southern coast in Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Strain M-M22(T) was observed to grow optimally at pH 7.0-7.5, at 30 °C and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain M-M22(T) fell within the clade comprising the type strains of Oceanicola species, except Oceanicola granulosus. Strain M-M22(T) exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values (each 95.4 %) to the type strains of Oceanicola batsensis and Oceanicola nitratireducens and 93.9-94.8 % sequence similarity to the type strains of the other Oceanicola species Strain M-M22(T) was found to contain Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18:1 ω7c as the predominant fatty acid. Major polar lipids were determined to be phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 67.6 mol%. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain M-M22(T) is distinguished from other Oceanicola species. On the basis of the data presented, strain M-M22(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Oceanicola, for which the name Oceanicola litoreus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M-M22(T) (= KCTC 32083(T) = CCUG 62794(T)).

A Gram-staining-negative, non-spore-forming, facultatively aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, BR-3(T), was isolated from a tidal flat on the western coast of Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic study. Strain BR-3(T) grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 6.5-7.0 and in the absence of NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain BR-3(T) fell within the clade comprising species of the genus Mucilaginibacter, joining the type strain of Mucilaginibacter rigui, with which it exhibited highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.2%). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values between strain BR-3(T) and the type strains of the other species of the genus Mucilaginibacter were in the range 93.8-95.9%. A mean DNA-DNA relatedness value between strain BR-3(T) and M. rigui KCTC 12534(T) was 21%. Strain BR-3(T) contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and C(16:1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15:0) 2-OH and iso-C(15:0) as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified aminophospholipid. The DNA G+C content was 49.8 mol%. Differential phenotypic properties and phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness of strain BR-3(T) demonstrated that this strain is separate from M. rigui as well as the other species of the genus Mucilaginibacter. On the basis of the data presented, strain BR-3(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Mucilaginibacter, for which the name Mucilaginibacter lutimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BR-3(T) (=KCTC 23461(T) =CCUG 60742(T)).

A yellow-coloured, rod-shaped, Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic bacterial strain, designated JC2132(T), was isolated from a tidal flat sediment sample from Ganghwa Island, Korea. The isolate required sea salts for growth. Cells produced non-diffusible carotenoid pigments, but flexirubin-type pigments were absent. Gliding motility was observed. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain JC2132(T) represented a distinct phyletic line that reflected a novel generic status within the family Flavobacteriaceae with relatively low sequence similarities (<95 %) to members of other genera with validly published names. The predominant isoprenoid quinone (MK-6) and DNA G+C content (35 mol%) were consistent with assignment of the isolate to the family Flavobacteriaceae, but overall phenotypic traits demonstrated that strain JC2132(T) was not closely affiliated with any previously described genera. Based on taxonomic data obtained using a polyphasic approach, it is proposed that strain JC2132(T) represents a novel species in a new genus belonging to the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Snuella lapsa gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain of the type species is JC2132(T) ( = KACC 14152(T) = JCM 17111(T)).

A non-motile and yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain HMD3054(T), was isolated from a solar saltern in Jeungdo, Republic of Korea. The major fatty acids of strain HMD3054(T) were iso-C₁₅:₀ (31.4 %), anteiso-C₁₅:₀ (23.5 %), iso-C₁₇:₀ 3-OH (14.2 %), summed feature 3 (comprising C₁₆:₁ω6c and/or C₁₆:₁ω7c; 6.9 %) and summed feature 9 (comprising iso-C₁₇:₁ω9c and/or 10-methyl C₁₆:₀; 6.0 %). The major respiratory quinones were MK-6 and MK-7. The DNA G+C content of strain HMD3054(T) was 46.9 mol%. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HMD3054(T) formed a lineage within the genus Echinicola. Strain HMD3054(T) was closely related to Echinicola vietnamensis KMM 6221(T) (94.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Echinicola pacifica KMM 6172(T) (94.0 %). On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain HMD3054(T) represents a novel species of the genus Echinicola, for which the name Echinicola jeungdonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HMD3054(T) ( = KCTC 23122(T)  = CECT 7682(T)).

A Gram-positive, halophilic bacterium, strain CAU 9536(T), was isolated from a tidal flat sediment in the Yellow Sea, Republic of Korea. Strain CAU 9536(T) grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 9.0 and in the presence of 13.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain CAU 9536(T) belonged to the genus Serinicoccus, and showed sequence similarity levels of 99.0 % to Serinicoccus profundi MCCC 1A05965(T) and 98.0 % to Serinicoccus marinus JC1078(T). DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain CAU 9536(T) and the above two type strains were below 45.0 %. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain CAU 9536(T) was based on meso-diaminopimelic acid, in contrast to those of S. profundi and S. marinus. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylinositol. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained mainly glucose and ribose. The major isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone MK-8 (H(4)), and the predominant cellular fatty acid was iso-C(15 : 0). The DNA G+C content of strain CAU 9536(T) was 73.5 mol%. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic data, strain CAU 9536(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Serinicoccus, for which the name Serinicoccus chungangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 9536(T) ( = KCTC 19774(T) = CCUG 59777(T)).

Glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT)-based intact membrane lipids are increasingly being used as complements to conventional molecular methods in ecological studies of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in the marine environment. However, the few studies that have been done on the detailed lipid structures synthesized by AOA in (enrichment) culture are based on species enriched from nonmarine environments, i.e., a hot spring, an aquarium filter, and a sponge. Here we have analyzed core and intact polar lipid (IPL)-GDGTs synthesized by three newly available AOA enriched directly from marine sediments taken from the San Francisco Bay estuary ("Candidatus Nitrosoarchaeum limnia"), and coastal marine sediments from Svalbard, Norway, and South Korea. Like previously screened AOA, the sedimentary AOA all synthesize crenarchaeol (a GDGT containing a cyclohexane moiety and four cyclopentane moieties) as a major core GDGT, thereby supporting the hypothesis that crenarchaeol is a biomarker lipid for AOA. The IPL headgroups synthesized by sedimentary AOA comprised mainly monohexose, dihexose, phosphohexose, and hexose-phosphohexose moieties. The hexose-phosphohexose headgroup bound to crenarchaeol was common to all enrichments and, in fact, the only IPL common to every AOA enrichment analyzed to date. This apparent specificity, in combination with its inferred lability, suggests that it may be the most suitable biomarker lipid to trace living AOA. GDGTs bound to headgroups with a mass of 180 Da of unknown structure appear to be specific to the marine group I.1a AOA: they were synthesized by all three sedimentary AOA and "Candidatus Nitrosopumilus maritimus"; however, they were absent in the group I.1b AOA "Candidatus Nitrososphaera gargensis."

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic bacterium, designated strain SD10(T), was isolated from a tidal flat of the Yellow Sea, South Korea. Cells were non-spore-forming rods that showed catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions. Growth of strain SD10(T) was observed at 15-40 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), at pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum, pH 6.5-8.5) and in the presence of 1-10 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain SD10(T) contained ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) as a major isoprenoid quinone and C(18 : 1)ω7c (39.3 %), C(16 : 0) (20.2 %), C(17 : 0) (8.9 %) and C(17 : 1)ω6c (8.1 %) as major fatty acids. The cellular polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylglycerol, monoglycosyldiglyceride, glucuronopyranosyldiglyceride and two unidentified glycolipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 55.2 mol%. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, the strain was most closely related to Henriciella marina Iso4(T) and Maribaculum marinum P38(T), with similarities of 97.8 and 97.0 %, respectively. The DNA-DNA relatedness between strain SD10(T) and H. marina Iso4(T) was 12.0±3.2 %. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that M. marinum P38(T) and H. marina Iso4(T) formed a monophyletic cluster and that their 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity was 98.1 %. DNA-DNA hybridization between H. marina Iso4(T) and M. marinum LMG 24711(T) was 22.9±2.7 %, indicating that the two strains belong to separate species. On the basis of chemotaxonomic data and molecular properties, we propose that strain SD10(T) represents a novel species of the genus Henriciella, for which the name Henriciella litoralis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SD10(T) ( = KACC 13700(T)  = DSM 22014(T)). In addition, we propose to transfer Maribaculum marinum Lai et al. 2009 to the genus Henriciella as Henriciella aquimarina nom. nov. (type strain P38(T)  = CCTCC AB 208227(T)  = LMG 24711(T)  = MCCC 1A01086(T)), and we present an emended description of the genus Henriciella.

As a representative urban stream in Korea, the Gwangju (GJ) stream suffers from chronic fecal contamination. In this study, to characterize levels of fecal pollution in the GJ stream, the monthly monitoring data for seven years (from 2001 to 2007) and the hourly monitoring data from two field experiments were examined with respect to seasonal/daily variations and spatial distribution under wet and dry weather conditions. This research revealed that concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria strongly varied depending on the prevalent meteorological conditions. That is, during the dry daytime, fecal indicator bacteria concentrations decreased due to inactivation from solar irradiation, but rapidly increased in the absence of sunlight, suggesting external source inputs. In addition, bacterial concentrations substantially increased during rainfall events, due probably to a major contribution from combined sewer overflow. The observations in this study can be useful for implementing fecal pollution management strategies and for predicting fecal contamination as a function of meteorological conditions.

A Gram-negative, motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated ISL-43T, was isolated from a marine solar saltern of the Yellow Sea, Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by means of a polyphasic study. Strain ISL-43T grew optimally at pH 7.0-8.0 and 30 degrees C and in the presence of approximately 2% NaCl. It contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and C16:0, C19:0omega8c, C16:1omega7c and/or iso-C15:0 2-OH, and C18:1omega7c as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 58.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain ISL-43T fell within the genus Marinimicrobium, clustering with Marinimicrobium agarilyticum M18T with a bootstrap value of 100%. Strain ISL-43T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 98.1 and 95.5% to M. agarilyticum M18T and Marinimicrobium koreense M9T, respectively. Strain ISL-43T exhibited DNA-DNA relatedness values of 17 and 10% to M. agarilyticum KCTC 12357T and M. koreense KCTC 12356T, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genetic data, strain ISL-43T represents a novel species within the genus Marinimicrobium, for which the name Marinimicrobium locisalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ISL-43T (=KCTC 22484T=CCUG 56757T).

A facultatively anaerobic, moderately halophilic, Gram-negative, filamentous bacterium, designated JC2469T, was isolated from tidal flat sediment in Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate belonged to the phylum Bacteroidetes and its closest taxonomic relative was Cytophaga fermentans NCIMB 2218T (89.6% sequence similarity). Cells appeared as filaments during exponential growth, but became fragmented to rods at stationary phase. Spherical cells were also observed in aged cultures. Strain JC2469T contained iso-C15:0 (56.2%) and MK-7 as the predominant fatty acid and respiratory quinone, respectively. On the basis of evidence from this polyphasic study, the isolate showed substantial differences from other genera. The phylogenetic and physiological data of the present study strongly suggest that the isolate represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Marinifilum fragile gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Marinifilum fragile is JC2469T (=IMSNU 14138T=KCTC 22488T=JCM 15579T).

A novel bacterium (strain K4(T)) belonging to the genus Sphingomonas was isolated from tidal flat sediment in Korea. Its morphology, physiology, biochemical features and 16S rRNA gene sequence were characterized. Colonies of this strain are yellow in colour and the cells are rod-shaped, exhibiting negative Gram staining. The strain grows at 0-5 % (w/v) NaCl and 20-35 degrees C, with optimal growth occurring at 0 % (w/v) NaCl and 30 degrees C. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain K4(T) is associated with the genus Sphingomonas. Within the phylogenetic tree, this novel strain shares a branching point with Sphingomonas asaccharolytica Y-345(T), with which it shares 97.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The polyamine pattern predominantly contains the Sphingomonas-specific triamine sym-homospermidine. Combined analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences, DNA-DNA relatedness, physiological and biochemical test results identified genotypic and phenotypic differences between strain K4(T) and other Sphingomonas species. On the basis of these differentiating features, it is concluded that strain K4(T) (=KCTC 22050(T)=DSM 19475(T)) represents a novel species of the genus Sphingomonas, for which the name Sphingomonas aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed.

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, red-pink bacterium, designated strain Dae14(T), was isolated from stream sediment collected near Daecheong Dam, South Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Dae14(T) belonged to the genus Hymenobacter. Sequence similarities between strain Dae14(T) and the type strains of Hymenobacter species with validly published names ranged from 91.3 to 94.3 %. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain Dae14(T) were iso-C(15 : 0), C(16 : 1)omega5c, summed feature 5 (iso-C(17 : 1) I and/or anteiso-C(17 : 1) B) and iso-C(16 : 0). The DNA G+C content was 62.2 mol%. Results of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characterization indicated that strain Dae14(T) can be distinguished from all known Hymenobacter species and represents a novel species, for which the name Hymenobacter daecheongensis sp. nov. is proposed, with Dae14(T) (=KCTC 22258(T)=LMG 24498(T)) as the type strain.

A strictly aerobic, motile, short-rod-shaped, Gram-positive-staining actinomycete strain, designated MSL-01(T), was isolated from a sediment sample from Bigeum Island of Korea. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that the isolate MSL-01(T) belonged to the genus Nocardioides, with the highest sequence similarity to Nocardioides terrigena DS-17(T) (98.54 %), but the DNA-DNA relatedness to this type strain was 34 %. The physiological properties of strain MSL-01(T) differ from those of Nocardioides terrigena DS-17(T) and other species of Nocardioides. The diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan of strain MSL-01(T) is ll-diaminopimelic acid, the major menaquinone is MK-8(H(4)) and iso-C(16 : 0) is the major fatty acid component. The name Nocardioides sediminis sp. nov. is proposed for the novel species, with the type strain MSL-01(T) (=DSM 19263(T) =KCTC 19271(T)).

A Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated SMK-117T, belonging to the Alphaproteobacteria, was isolated from a tidal flat of the Yellow Sea, Korea, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain SMK-117T grew optimally at pH 7.0-8.0 and 30 degrees C in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SMK-117T clustered with Maritimibacter alkaliphilus HTCC2654T, with which it exhibited a sequence similarity of 95.3 %. Strain SMK-117T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C(18 : 1)omega7c and 11-methyl C(18 : 1)omega7c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and two unidentified phospholipids. The DNA G+C content was 63.5 mol%. Strain SMK-117T was differentiated from members of the genera Maritimibacter and Oceanicola on the basis of differences in the fatty acid and polar lipid profiles. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data indicated that strain SMK-117T represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Lutimaribacter saemankumensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Lutimaribacter saemankumensis is SMK-117T (=KCTC 22244T =CCUG 55760T).

A novel Gram-positive, aerobic, short-rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain J112T, was isolated from black sand collected from Soesoggak, Jeju Island, Korea. The strain was found to be oxidase-negative and catalase-positive. Cells grew at 10-37 degrees C, at pH 5.5-8.0 and with 1-10 % NaCl. Growth occurred on marine agar but not on R2A or trypticase soy agar. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain belongs to the radiation of the genus Nocardioides. Strain J112T shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Nocardioides marinisabuli SBS-12T (99.2 %), Nocardioides terrigena DS-17T (97.3 %), Nocardioides kribbensis KCTC 19038T (97.1 %) and type strains of other Nocardioides species with validly published names (<97 %). The DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain J112T and the three most closely related strains were low enough to justify the assignment of this strain to a novel species. On the basis of these phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic data, strain J112T represents a novel species of the genus Nocardioides, for which the name Nocardioides basaltis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is J112T (=KCTC 19365T=JCM 14945T).

A novel bacterial strain, designated Dae 13T, was isolated from sediment from a freshwater lake in Daejeon, South Korea, and was characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. The isolate was Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolate belonged to the genus Pedobacter in the family Sphingobacteriaceae but was clearly separate from established species of this genus. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain Dae 13(T) and type strains of Pedobacter species with validly published names ranged from 91.6 to 97.5 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 33.8 mol%. Chemotaxonomic data, i.e. the presence of MK-7 as the major menaquinone and iso-C(15 : 0), C(16 : 0) and summed feature 3 (iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH and/or C(16 : 1)omega7c) as the major fatty acids, supported the affiliation of strain Dae 13T to the genus Pedobacter. However, the results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of the isolate with respect to Pedobacter species with validly published names. Therefore, strain Dae 13T represents a novel species within the genus Pedobacter, for which the name Pedobacter daechungensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Dae 13T (=KCTC 12637T=LMG 23489T).

A novel Gram-negative, aerobic, motile, short rod-shaped bacterium, designated J64T, was isolated from black sand collected from Soesoggak, Jeju Island, Korea. Cells grew at 4-37 degrees C, at pH 5.5-10.0 and with 0-10 % NaCl. The strain was found to be oxidase- and catalase-positive. Phylogenetic analyses showed that strain J64T belongs to the genus Pseudomonas, forming a monophyletic group with Pseudomonas pachastrellae, Pseudomonas pertucinogena and 'Pseudomonas denitrificans'. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain J64T and type strains of all Pseudomonas species with validly published names was below 96.6 %. Low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness were found with respect to type strains of P. pachastrellae and P. pertucinogena, supporting the classification of strain J64T within a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas. Strain J64T contained C(18 : 1)omega7c (37.2 %), C(16 : 0) (20.4 %), summed feature 3 (17.4 %; comprising iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH and/or C(16 : 1)omega7c) and C(12 : 0) (7.6 %) as major cellular fatty acids. On the basis of the phenotypic and phylogenetic data, strain J64T represents a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas sabulinigri sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is J64T (=KCTC 22137T =JCM 14963T).

A strictly aerobic, non-motile, short rod-shaped actinomycete, designated strain FR1436(T), was isolated from sand sediment from a beach on Dokdo Island, Republic of Korea. The major menaquinone was MK-8(H(4)), the predominant cellular fatty acid was iso-C(16 : 0) (40.4 %) and the G+C content of the DNA was 69.1 mol%. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain FR1436(T) formed a lineage within the genus Nocardioides and was closely related to Nocardioides marinisabuli SBS-12(T) (97.8 % sequence similarity) and Nocardioides salarius CL-Z59(T) (97.4 %). Phenotypic characteristics and DNA-DNA relatedness data served to distinguish strain FR1436(T) from N. marinisabuli. On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain FR1436(T) represents a novel species of the genus Nocardioides, for which the name Nocardioides dokdonensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FR1436(T) (=KCTC 19309(T) =JCM 14815(T)).

An aerobic, yellow-pigmented, Gram-negative bacterium, designated strain BD-b365(T), was isolated from sediment of the Hakjang stream in Busan, South Korea. Growth was observed at 15-40 degrees C (optimum 20-30 degrees C) and at pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum pH 7.0-8.0). Cells were non-spore-forming rods that showed gliding motility and contained branched and hydroxy fatty acids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 35.4 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6 (MK-6). The major polar lipid of strain BD-b365(T) was phosphatidylethanolamine. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain BD-b365(T) formed a distinct phyletic line within the genus Flavobacterium. Based on levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, the novel strain was related most closely to Flavobacterium aquidurense WB 1.1-56(T), but the level of DNA-DNA relatedness between these two strains was only 9.6 %. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, it is clear that strain BD-b365(T) represents a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium resistens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BD-b365(T) (=KCTC 22078(T) =DSM 19382(T)).

A Gram-negative, aerobic, rod shaped, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated Dae08(T), was isolated from sediment of the stream near Daechung dam in South Korea, and was characterized in order to determine its taxonomic position, using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain Dae08(T) belongs to the family Xanthomonadaceae of the Gammaproteobacteria, and is related to Lysobacter brunescens ATCC 29482(T) (97.3%). The phylogenetic distances from any other species with validly published names within the genus Lysobacter were greater than 3.7%. The G+C contents of the genomic DNA of strain Dae08(T) was 69.3 mol%. The detection of a quinone system with Q-8 as the predominant compound and a fatty acid profile with iso-C(15:0), iso-C(17:1), omega9c, iso-C(17:0), iso-C(16:0), and iso-C(11:0) 3-OH as the major acids supported the affiliation of strain Dae08(T) to the genus Lysobacter. DNA-DNA relatedness between strain Dae08(T) and its phylogenetically closest neighbour was 28%. On the basis of its phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain Dae08(T) (= KCTC 12600(T)) should be classified in the genus Lysobacter as the novel species, for which the name Lysobacter daecheongensis sp. nov. is proposed.

A Gram-negative, non-motile, pleomorphic bacterial strain, designated SMK-142(T), was isolated from a tidal flat of the Yellow Sea, Korea, and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain SMK-142(T) grew optimally at pH 7.0-8.0, 25 degrees C and in the presence of 2% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SMK-142(T) clustered with Lutibacter litoralis with which it exhibited a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value of 91.2%. This cluster joined the clade comprising the genera Tenacibaculum and Polaribacter at a high bootstrap resampling value. Strain SMK-142(T) contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C(15:0), iso-C(15:1) and iso-C(17:0) 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 37.2 mol%. Strain SMK-142(T) was differentiated from three phylogenetically related genera, Lutibacter, Tenacibaculum and Polaribacter, on the basis of low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values and differences in fatty acid profiles and in some phenotypic properties. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain SMK-142(T) represents a novel genus and species for which the name Aestuariicola saemankumensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed (phylum Bacteroidetes, family Flavobacteriaceae). The type strain of the type species, Aestuariicola saemankumensis sp. nov., is SMK-142(T) (=KCTC 22171(T)=CCUG 55329(T)).

Dissection of prokaryotic community structure is prerequisite to understand their ecological roles. Various methods are available for such a purpose which amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes gained its popularity. However, conventional methods based on Sanger sequencing technique require cloning process prior to sequencing, and are expensive and labor-intensive. We investigated prokaryotic community structure in tidal flat sediments, Korea, using pyrosequencing and a subsequent automated bioinformatic pipeline for the rapid and accurate taxonomic assignment of each amplicon. The combination of pyrosequencing and bioinformatic analysis showed that bacterial and archaeal communities were more diverse than previously reported in clone library studies. Pyrosequencing analysis revealed 21 bacterial divisions and 37 candidate divisions. Proteobacteria was the most abundant division in the bacterial community, of which Gamma-and Delta-Proteobacteria were the most abundant. Similarly, 4 archaeal divisions were found in tidal flat sediments. Euryarchaeota was the most abundant division in the archaeal sequences, which were further divided into 8 classes and 11 unclassified euryarchaeota groups. The system developed here provides a simple, in-depth and automated way of dissecting a prokaryotic community structure without extensive pretreatment such as cloning.

A Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, SMK-108(T), was isolated from a tidal flat of the Yellow Sea in Korea and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. Strain SMK-108(T) grew optimally at pH 7.0-8.0 and at 30 degrees C. It contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids were iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH, iso-C(15 : 1) and iso-C(15 : 0). The DNA G+C content was 41.1 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain SMK-108(T) was related most closely to members of the genus Muricauda, exhibiting 96.6-98.8 % sequence similarity to the type strains of recognized Muricauda species. Strain SMK-108(T) was distinguishable from recognized Muricauda species on the basis of differential phenotypic characteristics, levels of DNA-DNA relatedness and phylogenetic distinctiveness. This organism is thus considered to represent a novel species of the genus Muricauda, for which the name Muricauda lutimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SMK-108(T) (=KCTC 22173(T) =CCUG 55324(T)).

A critical step in the process of metagenome analysis is to screen for clones that contain specific genes among a large number of clones. To form one of the sequence-based screening tools of a metagenome library, we designed a format of microarray [metagenome microarray (MGA)] that is arrayed with fosmid library clone DNA samples on a glass slide. We evaluated the MGA using random prime labeled fluorescent probes prepared from PCR products of the target gene and found that we could obtain specific hybridization signals only for the fosmid clone that contained the target gene. We found that the detection limit of the MGA was c. 10 ng microL(-1) of fosmid clone DNA, and that the MGA-based hybridization was quantitative within a concentration range of 10-200 ng microL(-1) of fosmid clone DNA. We used the MGA successfully to identify two fosmid clones that contained 16S rRNA genes from a fosmid library from the sediment of the East Sea, Korea. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the MGA can be used for screening for fosmid clones containing specific genes in a metagenome library, and that this technology has potential application as a high-throughput metagenome screening tool.

A novel actinomycete, designated strain LR-26T, was isolated from a small stone collected from an agricultural field in Jeju, Republic of Korea. Cells of the organism were strictly aerobic, Gram-positive, non-motile, short rods. Colonies were bright yellow, circular, smooth and translucent. The organism was characterized chemotaxonomically as having ll-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall, MK-8(H4) as major menaquinone, a polar lipid profile including diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and unknown phospholipids, iso-C15 : 0 as the predominant fatty acid and a DNA G+C content of 72.6 mol%. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the organism was related to the genera Intrasporangium, Terracoccus and Terrabacter within the family Intrasporangiaceae. The closest phylogenetic relatives of strain LR-26T were the type strains of Terrabacter terrae (99.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Terrabacter aerolatus (99.3 %) and Terrabacter tumescens (99.3 %). DNA-DNA hybridization experiments showed that strain LR-26T shared low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness with Terrabacter terrae LMG 22921T (17.6 and 22.8 % from reciprocal experiments) and with Terrabacter tumescens IMSNU 21313T (27.6 and 34.9 %). The phenotypic data and low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness readily distinguished strain LR-26T from the type strains of recognized species of the genus Terrabacter, and showed that it therefore represents a novel species. The name Terrabacter lapilli sp. nov. is proposed for this novel actinomycete. The type strain is LR-26T (=JBRI 2002T =KCTC 19199T =DSM 18583T).

A Gram-negative, motile, ovoid to rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated strain SMK-122T, was isolated from a Yellow Sea tidal flat located on the coast of Korea. Strain SMK-122T grew optimally at pH 7.0-8.0 and 30 degrees C. It contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and possessed C18 : 1omega7c and C16 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 58.6 mol%. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SMK-122T fell within the genus Roseovarius, being closest to Roseovarius nubinhibens ISM(T); the sequence similarities with respect to Roseovarius species ranged from 94.9 to 97.3 %. The mean value for DNA-DNA relatedness between strain SMK-122T and Rva. nubinhibens DSM 15170T was 13 %. Differential phenotypic properties of SMK-122T, together with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that this strain is distinct from recognized Roseovarius species. On this basis, strain SMK-122T represents a novel species of the genus Roseovarius, for which the name Roseovarius aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SMK-122T (=KCTC 22174T =CCUG 55325T).

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain SST-39T, was isolated from a marine sediment sample collected in Jeju, Republic of Korea. Cells were facultatively anaerobic, Gram-positive, non-endospore-forming, non-motile rods. Colonies were circular, slightly convex, opaque and brilliant yellow. The cell-wall peptidoglycan of the organism contained ll-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. Polar lipids included phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, C18 : 0 and C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 68.4 mol%. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolate belonged to the family Propionibacteriaceae and formed a unique cluster with the type strain of Tessaracoccus bendigoensis (97.0 % sequence similarity). Other phylogenetic neighbours were the type strains of Luteococcus peritonei (95.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Propionibacterium propionicum (95.1 %). On the basis of its phenotypic and phylogenetic distinctiveness, strain SST-39T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Tessaracoccus, for which the name Tessaracoccus flavescens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SST-39T (=DSM 18582T =KCTC 19196T).

A Gram-positive, cream-coloured, non-motile, rod-shaped actinomycete, designated DLS-10T, was isolated from a rock collected on the peak of Darangshi Oreum (a small mountain 300 m above sea level) in Jeju, Republic of Korea. The temperature and pH ranges for growth were 4-37 degrees C and pH 5.1-9.1. The organism grew at NaCl concentrations up to 3 % and had the following chemotaxonomic characteristics: meso-diaminopimelic acid was the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan, the polar lipids included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine and two unknown phospholipids, the major menaquinone was MK-8(H4) and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 74.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the organism was related to members of the family Nakamurellaceae in the suborder Frankineae. The most closely related described organisms were the type strains of Humicoccus flavidus (97.1 % sequence similarity) and Nakamurella multipartita (95.2 %). On the basis of the morphological, cultural, physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic evidence presented here, the organism represents a novel genus and species of the family Nakamurellaceae, for which the name Saxeibacter lacteus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Saxeibacter lacteus is DLS-10T (=KCTC 19285T =DSM 19367T).

A Gram-negative, motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated HU2-65W(T), was isolated from freshwater sediment. The strain possessed ubiquinone 8 as the predominant isoprenoid quinone and contained major amounts of omega7-cis-octadecenoic acid and hexadecanoic acid in its cell envelope, which are properties shared by members of the genus Burkholderia. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, strain HU2-65W(T) was most closely related to the type strain of Burkholderia xenovorans (98.4 %). The DNA G+C content of strain HU2-65W(T) was 61.2 mol%, and DNA-DNA relatedness values to type strains of closely related species were found to be much lower than 70 %, indicating that the strain represents a separate genomic species within the genus Burkholderia. Strain HU2-65W(T) was also differentiated from other species of the genus by physiological and biochemical characteristics. Consequently, strain HU2-65W(T) is considered to represent a single, novel species of the genus Burkholderia, for which the name Burkholderia sediminicola sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain HU2-65W(T) (=KCTC 22086(T) =LMG 24238(T)).

A Gram-positive or Gram-variable, motile, moderately halophilic, rod-shaped bacterial strain, ISL-50(T), was isolated from a marine solar saltern in Korea and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strain ISL-50(T) grew optimally at pH 7.0-8.0 and 37 degrees C in the presence of 8 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain ISL-50(T) belonged to the genus Halobacillus. Strain ISL-50(T) exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 95.3-98.2 % with respect to the type strains of recognized Halobacillus species. The cell-wall peptidoglycan was based on meso-diaminopimelic acid, the predominant menaquinone was MK-7 and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0). The DNA G+C content was 39.3 mol%. DNA-DNA relatedness data and differential phenotypic properties revealed that strain ISL-50(T) was distinguishable from the recognized Halobacillus species. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genetic data, strain ISL-50(T) represents a novel species of the genus Halobacillus, for which the name Halobacillus seohaensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ISL-50(T) (=KCTC 13145(T)=CCUG 54358(T)).

A bacterial strain, ISL-4(T), comprising Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped cells, was isolated from a marine solar saltern of the Yellow Sea in Korea and was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. Phenotypically, the strain resembled members of the genus Salegentibacter. It grew optimally at pH 7.0-8.0 and 30 degrees C and in the presence of 8 % (w/v) NaCl. It contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0) and anteiso-C(15 : 0). The DNA G+C content was 37.9 mol%. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain ISL-4(T) belonged to the genus Salegentibacter, exhibiting sequence similarity values of 95.9-98.6 % with respect to the type strains of recognized Salegentibacter species (with the exception of Salegentibacter catena). Low DNA-DNA relatedness values and differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain ISL-4(T) represents a novel species of the genus Salegentibacter, for which the name Salegentibacter salinarum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ISL-4(T) (=KCTC 12975(T) =CCUG 54354(T)).

A novel Gram-positive bacterium, designated SYB2T, was isolated from wastewater reservoir sediment, and a polyphasic taxonomic study was conducted based on its morphological, physiological, and biochemical features, as well as the analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence. During the phylogenetic analysis of the strain SYB2T, results of a 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed this bacterium in the genus Arthrobacter within the family Micrococcaceae. SYB2T and Arthrobacter protophormiae ATCC 19271T, the most closely related species, both exhibited a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 98.99%. The genomic DNA G+C content of the novel strain was found to be 62.0 mol%. The predominant fatty acid composition was anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, iso-C16:0, and iso-C15:0. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences and DNA-DNA relatedness, as well as physiological and biochemical tests, showed genotypic and phenotypic differences between strain SYB2T and other Arthrobacter species. The type strain of the novel species was identified as SYB2T (= KCTC 19291T= DSM 19449T).

A Gram-positive, motile, moderately halophilic and rod-shaped bacterium, strain AHS-1(T), was isolated from a marine solar saltern in Korea, and its exact taxonomic position was investigated by use of a polyphasic study. Strain AHS-1(T) grew optimally at pH 6.5-7.0 and 37-40 degrees C in the presence of 10-12% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain AHS-1(T) belonged to the genus Lentibacillus. Strain AHS-1(T) exhibited a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value of 97.0% to the type strain of Lentibacillus salarius and values of 95.0-96.7% to the type strains of other recognized Lentibacillus species. Strain AHS-1(T) had cell-wall peptidoglycan based on meso-diaminopimelic acid. It contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids (>10% of total fatty acids) were anteiso-C(15:0) and anteiso-C(17:0), and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified glycolipids. The DNA G+C content was 49.0 mol%. Strain AHS-1(T) shared a mean level of DNA-DNA relatedness of 8.5% with L. salarius KCTC 3911(T). Strain AHS-1(T) could also be distinguished from recognized Lentibacillus species based on several phenotypic properties. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genetic data, strain AHS-1(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Lentibacillus, for which the name Lentibacillus salinarum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AHS-1(T) (=KCTC 13162(T)=CCUG 54822(T)).

An enrichment semi-nested PCR procedure was developed for detection of Clostridium botulinum types A, B, E, and F. It was applied to sediment samples to examine the prevalence of C. botulinum in the Korean environment. The first pair of primers for the semi-nested PCR was designed using a region shared by the types A, B, E, and F neurotoxin gene sequences, and the second round employed four nested primers complementary to the BoNT/A, /B, /E, and /F encoding genes for simultaneous detection of the four serotypes. Positive results were obtained from the PCR analysis of five of 44 sediments (11%) collected from Yeong-am Lake in Korea; all were identified as deriving from type B neurotoxin (bontb) genes. Two of the C. botulinum type B organisms were isolated, and their bontb genes sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequences of BoNT/B showed 99.5 and 99.8% identity with the amino acid sequence of accession no. AB084152. Our data suggest that semi-nested PCR is a useful tool for detecting C. botulinum in sediments, and renders it practicable to conduct environmental surveys.

The taxonomic position of a novel actinobacterium (designated SBS-12(T)), which was isolated from beach sand on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, was determined following a polyphasic taxonomic characterization. Cells of the organism were Gram-positive, catalase-positive, oxidase-negative and non-motile rods. The organism contained ll-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan and MK-8(H(4)) as predominant menaquinone, and had a polar lipid profile containing phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol, iso-C(16 : 0) as the major fatty acid and a DNA G+C content of 73.1 mol%. A neighbour-joining tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the organism occupies a distinct phylogenetic position within the radiation including representatives of the family Nocardioidaceae. High levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity were found with Nocardioides kribbensis (97.2 %), Nocardioides aquiterrae (96.9 %), Nocardioides pyridinolyticus (96.6 %) and Nocardioides aquaticus (96.3 %). The combination of morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics was consistent with classification in the genus Nocardioides, but the isolate can be differentiated from all Nocardioides species with validly published names by a range of physiological properties. The name Nocardioides marinisabuli sp. nov. is proposed for this novel organism, with the type strain SBS-12(T) (=JBRI 2003(T)=KCCM 42681(T)=DSM 18965(T)).

A novel, yellow-pigmented actinobacterium was isolated from a small stone collected in Jeju, Republic of Korea. The cells of the organism, designated strain R-Ac013(T), were Gram-positive, aerobic, non-motile cocci that occurred singly or in pairs. The strain showed growth at 10-37 degrees C and pH 4.1-11.1, and tolerated 2 % NaCl. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, the organism was phylogenetically related to members of the genera Tetrasphaera (94.6-97.1 % sequence similarity), Terrabacter (96.5 %), Knoellia (96.4 %), Terracoccus (96.4 %), Oryzihumus (96.4 %), Janibacter (96.1-96.4 %) and Intrasporangium (96.2 %). The chemotaxonomic results for the organism were as follows: ll-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the peptidoglycan, acetyl-type murein, MK-8(H(4)) as the major menaquinone, a DNA G+C content of 74.1 mol%, and a polar lipid profile that comprised diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The fatty acid profile consisted of iso- and anteiso-methyl-branched, straight-chain saturated and monounsaturated types, the major components being iso-C(16 : 0), C(17 : 1)omega8c and iso-C(15 : 0). The combination of the phenotypic and phylogenetic data revealed that this strain represents a novel genus and species of the family Intrasporangiaceae, for which the name Lapillicoccus jejuensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain R-Ac013(T) (=KCTC 19200(T)=DSM 18607(T)).

A Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, strain ISL-6(T), phenotypically resembling members of the genus Salegentibacter, was isolated from a marine solar saltern of the Yellow Sea in Korea and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. Strain ISL-6(T) grew optimally at pH 7.0-8.0 and 30 degrees C and in the presence of 8 % (w/v) NaCl. It contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0) and anteiso-C(15 : 0). The DNA G+C content was 37.5 mol%. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain ISL-6(T) belonged to the genus Salegentibacter. Strain ISL-6(T) exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 92.0-98.6 % with respect to the type strains of recognized Salegentibacter species. Low DNA-DNA relatedness values, differential phenotypic properties and phylogenetic distinctiveness demonstrated that strain ISL-6(T) is distinguishable from the recognized Salegentibacter species. Therefore strain ISL-6(T) represents a novel species of the genus Salegentibacter, for which the name Salegentibacter salarius sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ISL-6(T) (=KCTC 12974(T) =CCUG 54355(T)).

A Gram-negative, aerobic, light-orange-coloured, marine bacterium (designated SST-19(T)) was isolated from beach sediment in Jeju, Korea, and its taxonomic position was determined by means of a polyphasic approach. In a neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain SST-19(T) was positioned within the family 'Saprospiraceae', class Sphingobacteria, and formed a consistent cluster with Lewinella persica ATCC 23167(T) (94.7 % sequence similarity). The levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the isolate and recognized members of the family ranged from 84 to 89 %, with Lewinella cohaerens ATCC 23123(T), Lewinella nigricans ATCC 23147(T), Haliscomenobacter hydrossis DSM 1100(T) and Saprospira grandis ATCC 23119(T) showing values of 89.0 , 88.4 , 86.4 and 84.1 %, respectively. Strain SST-19(T) required seawater for growth and its cells were unbranched, flexible rods or filaments with gliding motility. The cellular fatty acids consisted mainly of saturated, unsaturated and iso-branched fatty acids, the major components being C(16 : 1)omega7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH (24.1 %), C(18 : 0) (13.5 %), iso-C(15 : 0) (11.1 %) and C(16 : 0) (10.9 %). The G+C content of the DNA was found to be 51.3 mol%. On the basis of the results from phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses, the isolate represents a novel species of the genus Lewinella, for which the name Lewinella agarilytica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SST-19(T) (=JBRI 2009(T)=KCTC 12774(T)=JCM 14216(T)).

A novel Gram-positive, aerobic bacterium, strain JH1T, was isolated from deep-sea sediment of the East Sea, South Korea, and identified by methods of polyphasic taxonomy. The strain was oxidase-positive, motile and coccus-shaped. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain JH1T was 47 mol%. The major fatty acid of strain JH1T was anteiso-C15:0 and the predominant menaquinones were MK-7 and MK-8. Similarity of the 16S rRNA gene sequence (1452 nt) of strain JH1T to those of species of the genera Planococcus and Planomicrobium was 96.0-98.2%. The signature nucleotides in the 16S rRNA gene sequence were compared with those of previously studied type strains of species in the genera Planococcus and Planomicrobium, and suggested that strain JH1T belongs to the genus Planococcus. In addition, phylogenetic analysis showed that strain JH1T was located within the cluster comprising Planococcus antarcticus and Planococcus kocurii. DNA-DNA hybridization showed that it had 9.3% genomic relatedness with Planococcus antarcticus DSM 14505T and 22.9% with Planococcus kocurii DSM 20747T. On the basis of the phenotypic, phylogenetic and genomic data, a novel species of the genus Planococcus, Planococcus donghaensis sp. nov., is proposed, with type strain JH1T (=KCTC 13050T=LMG 23779T).

A Gram-positive, non-motile, coccoid-shaped, non-spore-forming halophilic bacterial strain, BY-5(T), was isolated from a marine solar saltern in Korea and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. The novel strain grew optimally at 37 degrees C and in the presence of 10 % (w/v) NaCl. Strain BY-5(T) had meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan, MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0), anteiso-C(17 : 0) and iso-C(17 : 0) as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content was 47.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain BY-5(T) formed a coherent cluster with Bacillus halophilus and Marinococcus albus. Strain BY-5(T) exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 98.7 and 97.4 % to the type strains of B. halophilus and M. albus, respectively. Strain BY-5(T) was distinguished from B. halophilus and M. albus by several phenotypic properties and DNA-DNA relatedness data. On the basis of the combined chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, it is proposed that M. albus, B. halophilus and strain BY-5(T) should be placed in a new genus as three separate species. Marinococcus albus and Bacillus halophilus are reclassified in a new genus, Salimicrobium gen. nov., as Salimicrobium album comb. nov. and Salimicrobium halophilum comb. nov., respectively. The type species of the new genus is Salimicrobium album. Strain BY-5(T) (=KCTC 3989(T)=CIP 108918(T)) is placed in the genus Salimicrobium as a novel species Salimicrobium luteum sp. nov.

A novel marine bacterium was isolated from a sediment sample from Hwasun Beach in Jeju, Republic of Korea. The cells were found to be Gram-negative, aerobic, oxidase-positive, catalase-positive, motile rods. The organism required natural seawater or artificial sea salts for growth. The temperature and pH ranges for growth were 20-42 degrees C and pH 5.1-12.1, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the organism belonged to the order Rhizobiales and formed a robust cluster with members of the genus Devosia. Its phylogenetic neighbours were the type strains of Devosia riboflavina (96.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Devosia neptuniae (96.7 %), Devosia soli (96.5 %) and Devosia limi (96.2 %), 'Devosia terrae' DCY11 (96.2 %) and 'Candidatus Devosia euplotis' (96.2 %). The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10, the major fatty acids were C(18 : 1), C(18 : 0) and C(16 : 0) and the G+C content of the DNA was 59.1 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic data and the results of phylogenetic analyses, strain HST3-14(T) represents a novel species of the genus Devosia, for which the name Devosia subaequoris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain HST3-14(T) (=KCTC 12772(T) =JCM 14206(T)).

Four Gram-positive, catalase-positive, short rod- or coccoid-shaped bacterial strains, R27(T), R44, R45 and R47, were isolated from an enrichment culture with diesel oil-degradation activity and their taxonomic positions were investigated using a polyphasic approach. Phenotypic, phylogenetic and genetic similarities indicated that strains R27(T), R44, R45 and R47 belong to the same species. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the four strains form a distinct evolutionary lineage within the family Propionibacteriaceae. The novel four strains had cell-wall peptidoglycan based on LL-diaminopimelic acid, MK-9(H(4)) as the predominant menaquinone and anteiso-C(15 : 0) as the major cellular fatty acid. The DNA G+C contents were 68.8-69.2 mol%. These chemotaxonomic properties, together with phylogenetic distinctiveness, distinguish the four novel strains from recognized members of the family Propionibacteriaceae. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genetic data, strains R27(T), R44, R45 and R47 are classified as representatives of a new genus and novel species, Aestuariimicrobium kwangyangense gen. nov., sp. nov., within the family Propionibacteriaceae. The type strain of Aestuariimicrobium kwangyangense sp. nov. is R27(T) (=KCTC 19182(T)=JCM 14204(T)).

A taxonomic study was carried out on an isolate, strain NO2(T), from marine sediment collected from the East Sea, Korea. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence studies showed that this strain belonged to the Gammaproteobacteria and was most closely related to Glaciecola mesophila KMM 241(T) and Glaciecola polaris LMG 21857(T) (98.6 and 98.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively). The isolate was Gram-negative, aerobic and slightly halophilic and grew in 2-8 % NaCl and at 7-30 degrees C. Strain NO2(T) shared some physiological and biochemical properties with G. mesophila KMM 241(T) and G. polaris LMG 21857(T). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain NO2(T) was 45 mol%. Strain NO2(T) possessed C(16 : 0), summed feature 4 (C(16 : 1)omega7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH) and summed feature 7 (C(18 : 1)omega9c/omega12t/omega7c) as the major cellular fatty acids. DNA-DNA relatedness data indicated that strain NO2(T) represents a distinct species that is separate from G. mesophila and G. polaris. On the basis of polyphasic evidence, it is proposed that strain NO2(T) (=KCTC 12755(T)=LMG 23762(T)) represents the type strain of a novel species, Glaciecola agarilytica sp. nov.

A Gram-negative, motile and egg-shaped bacterium, strain TF-218(T), was isolated from a tidal flat at Daepo Beach (Yellow Sea), Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Strain TF-218(T) grew optimally at pH 7.0-8.0 and 37 degrees C in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. It contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C(18 : 1)omega7c and 11-methyl C(18 : 1)omega7c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified lipids and an aminolipid. The DNA G+C content was 64.9 mol%. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain TF-218(T) is phylogenetically closely related to the genera Phaeobacter, Leisingera and Marinovum of the Alphaproteobacteria. The phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic similarities suggest that strain TF-218(T) represents a member of the genus Phaeobacter. DNA-DNA relatedness data and differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic distinctiveness, demonstrated that strain TF-218(T) differs from the recognized Phaeobacter species. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain TF-218(T) represents a novel species of the genus Phaeobacter, for which the name Phaeobacter daeponensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TF-218(T) (=KCTC 12794(T)=JCM 13606(T)).