Sphingomonas sp. strain Lep1: an aerobic degrader of 4-methylquinoline.

Strain Lep1, isolated from a bacterial consortium capable of aerobic degradation of 4-methylquinoline (4-MQ), was chosen for further characterization as it was the only member of the consortium able to grow on 4-MQ in pure culture. Lep1 was identified as a Sphingomonas sp. based on phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA. Furthermore, the presence of sphingolipids and 2-hydroxy fatty acids in the membrane, and a 63% G + C ratio supports the placement of Lep1 in this genus. Additional genetic, physiological, and ecological characterization of bacteria such as Lep1 will allow for the potential exploitation of degradative strains for purposes of bioremediation of contaminated soils.