Isolation and characterization of a novel 2, 2-DCP-degrading Achromobacter sp. M×2 isolated from contaminated seawater of Desaru Beach, Southern Malaysia

Abstract

Halogenated Organic Compounds (HOC) are major pollutants in the environment due to their wide usage as biocides in the agricultural industry. Hence, it is important that safe methods to eliminating such compounds are developed. Consequently, the goal of this study is to isolate and identify bacterial species capable of utilizing 2,2 Dichloropropionic acid (2,2-DCP). Using enrichment culture, a bacterium strain designated as M×2 was isolated from contaminated seawater located at desaru beach, Malaysia. The isolate grew best at 20 mM of 2,2-DCP minimal media with doubling time of 13.9 h. More than 0.59 mmol/L chloride ions were detected in the growth medium. Morphological and biochemical characteristics of M×2 were closely matched to those of Achromobacter sp. and the 16S rDNA sequence (GenBank accession number KP336491) 98% identical to that of several species of the genus Achromobacter. This is one of the first studies detailing the ability of Achromobacter sp. to utilize 2,2-DCP as the sole source of carbon and energy.