Strategy for Remediation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls-Contaminated Soil Through Redox Management Based on Electronegativity of the Contaminants

Literature review reveals that Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are electron deficient compounds due to the presence of highly electronegative groups. Hence, they are more amenable to anaerobic biodegradation rather than oxidative metabolism. However, the studies on PCBs bioremediation are more inclined towards aerobic treatment. Besides, the past studies are mainly centered on screening and application of PCB-degrading microorganisms. In our opinion the degradative capacity is already present in the native microflora, and choice of electron donor is of paramount importance for faster reductive metabolism of PCBs. In this study, the use of methanol as electron donor with cow dung as the general microbial inoculum resulted in high specific rate of degradation (0.0542-0.0637 /day) for high-chlorinated biphenyls. The % removal of PCBs ranged between 67.7 and 71.7%. It may be the first study on the application of methanol as a cheap electron donor for PCBs biodegradation without bioaugmentation with specifically selected microorganisms.

Retraction Note to: Environmental impact of plantations in and around the petroleum refinery: a case study

This article [1] has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. Significant sections of the article show a similarity with the author's own article published previously [2]. All the authors agree with the retraction.

Simultaneous quantitative monitoring of four indicator contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in different water sources of Central India using SPE/LC-(ESI)MS-MS

Environmental occurrence of CECs poses a great threat to both aquatic life and human health. The aim of this study was to optimize and validate SPE/LC-(ESI)MS-MS method for simultaneous quantitative monitoring of two sub-classes of CECs (pharmaceuticals and hormones) and to estimate the concentrations of select CECs in environmental water samples. For all the tested analytes, recoveries in laboratory reagent water were greater than 81%. Average percent (relative standard deviation) RSD of the analytes in recovery, repeatability, and reproducibility experiments were ≤ 10%. Determination coefficients (r²) of primidone, diclofenac, testosterone, and progesterone were estimated to be 0.9979, 0.9972, 0.9968, and 0.9962, respectively. Limits of detection (LOD) for primidone, diclofenac, testosterone, and progesterone were 4.63 ng/L, 5.36 ng/L, 0.55 ng/L, and 0.88 ng/L, respectively. Limits of quantification (LOQ) for primidone, diclofenac, testosterone, and progesterone were 14.72 ng/L, 17.06 ng/L, 1.766 ng/L, and 2.813 ng/L, respectively. Average recoveries in environmental water and wastewater samples were greater than 74% and RSD were ≤ 7%. Trace levels (68.33-125.70 ng/L) of primidone were detected in four environmental water samples, whereas diclofenac was not detected in any of the tested sample. Trace levels of progesterone were observed in two environmental samples (16.64 -203.73 ng/L), whereas testosterone was detected in STP inlet sample (178.16 ng/L).

Manganese exposure: Linking down-regulation of miRNA-7 and miRNA-433 with α-synuclein overexpression and risk of idiopathic Parkinson's disease

Manganese is an essential trace element however elevated environmental and occupational exposure to this element has been correlated with neurotoxicity symptoms clinically identical to idiopathic Parkinson's disease. In the present study we chronically exposed human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells to manganese (100μM) and carried out expression profiling of miRNAs known to modulate neuronal differentiation and neurodegeneration. The miRNA PCR array results reveal alterations in expression levels of miRNAs, which have previously been associated with the regulation of synaptic transmission and apoptosis. The expressions of miR-7 and miR-433 significantly reduced upon manganese exposure. By in silico homology analysis we identified SNCA and FGF-20as targets of miR-7 and miR-433. We demonstrate an inverse correlation in expression levels where reduction in these two miRNAs causes increases in SNCA and FGF-20. Transient transfection of SH-SY5Y cells with miR-7 and miR-433 mimics resulted in down regulation of SNCA and FGF-20 mRNA levels. Our study is the first to uncover the potential link between manganese exposure, altered miRNA expression and parkinsonism: manganese exposure causes overexpression of SNCA and FGF-20 by diminishing miR-7 and miR-433 levels. These miRNAs may be considered critical for protection from manganese induced neurotoxic mechanism and hence as potential therapeutic targets.

Application of cell-based assays for toxicity characterization of complex wastewater matrices: Possible applications in wastewater recycle and reuse

Exposure to pre-concentrated inlet or outlet STP wastewater extracts at different concentrations (0.001% to 1%) induced dose-dependent toxicity in MCF-7 cells, whereas drinking water extracts did not induce cytotoxicity in cells treated. GC-MS analysis revealed the occurrence of xenobiotic compounds (Benzene, Phthalate, etc.) in inlet/outlet wastewater extracts. Cells exposed to inlet/outlet extract showed elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS: inlet: 186.58%, p<0.05, outlet, 147.8%, p<0.01) and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm: inlet, 74.91%, p<0.01; outlet, 86.70%, p<0.05) compared to the control. These concentrations induced DNA damage (Tail length: inlet: 34.4%, p<0.05, outlet, 26.7%, p<0.05) in treated cells compared to the control (Tail length: 7.5%). Cell cycle analysis displayed drastic reduction in the G1 phase in treated cells (inlet, G1:45.0%; outlet, G1:58.3%) compared to the control (G1:67.3%). Treated cells showed 45.18% and 28.0% apoptosis compared to the control (1.2%). Drinking water extracts did not show any significant alterations with respect to ROS, Δψm, DNA damage, cell cycle and apoptosis compared to the control. Genes involved in cell cycle and apoptosis were found to be differentially expressed in cells exposed to inlet/outlet extracts. Herein, we propose cell-based toxicity assays to evaluate the efficacies of wastewater treatment and recycling processes.

Global DNA methylation profiling of manganese-exposed human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells reveals epigenetic alterations in Parkinson's disease-associated genes

Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element required for optimal functioning of cellular biochemical pathways in the central nervous system. Elevated exposure to Mn through environmental and occupational exposure can cause neurotoxic effects resulting in manganism, a condition with clinical symptoms identical to idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Epigenetics is now recognized as a biological mechanism involved in the etiology of various diseases. Here, we investigated the role of DNA methylation alterations induced by chronic Mn (100 µM) exposure in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells in relevance to Parkinson's disease. A combined analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression data for Parkinson's disease-associated genes was carried out. Whole-genome bisulfite conversion and sequencing indicate epigenetic perturbation of key genes involved in biological processes associated with neuronal cell health. Integration of DNA methylation data with gene expression reveals epigenetic alterations to PINK1, PARK2 and TH genes that play critical roles in the onset of Parkinsonism. The present study suggests that Mn-induced alteration of DNA methylation of PINK1-PARK2 may influence mitochondrial function and promote Parkinsonism. Our findings provide a basis to further explore and validate the epigenetic basis of Mn-induced neurotoxicity .

Polymorphisms in DNA repair and multidrug resistance genes among Sindhis of Central India

Polymorphisms in DNA repair and multidrug resistance genes might contribute to interindividual and interethnic differences in DNA repair capacity and drug disposition respectively. In the present study, we determined the allele and genotype frequencies of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the DNA repair genes, XRCC1, XRCC3, XPD, OGG1, namely XRCC1 Arg399Gln, XRCC3 Thr241Met, XPD Lys751Gln, and OGG1 Ser326Cys, respectively and two SNPs located in the multidrug resistance gene, ABCB1, namely ABCB1 C3435T and ABCB1 C1236T, in 33-35 healthy and unrelated Sindhi individuals, residing in the Vidarbha region of Central India and compared them with the Maharashtrian population from the same geographical region and some other HapMap populations from the HapMap database. The study findings reveal that the Indian Sindhis are closely related to the Maharashtrians as well as Utah residents with Northern and Western European ancestry and Gujarati Indians in Houston, Texas in the HapMap database.

Assessment of honking impact on traffic noise in urban traffic environment of Nagpur, India

BACKGROUND

In context of increasing traffic noise in urban India, the objective of the research study is to assess noise due to heterogeneous traffic conditions and the impact of honking on it.

METHOD

Traffic volume, noise levels, honking, road geometry and vehicular speed were measured on national highway, major and minor roads in Nagpur, India.

RESULTS

Initial study showed lack of correlation between traffic volume and equivalent noise due to some factors, later identified as honking, road geometry and vehicular speed. Further, frequency analysis of traffic noise showed that honking contributed an additional 2 to 5 dB (A) noise, which is quite significant. Vehicular speed was also found to increase traffic noise. Statistical method of analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirms that frequent honking (p < 0.01) and vehicular speed (p < 0.05) have substantial impact on traffic noise apart from traffic volume and type of road.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that honking must also be a component in traffic noise assessment and to identify and monitor "No Honking" zones in urban agglomerations.

Chemotaxis-based endosulfan biotransformation: enrichment and isolation of endosulfan-degrading bacteria

The study was conducted to isolate endosulfan biotransforming or biodegrading microbes based on chemotaxis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain KKc3, Ochrobactrum sp. strain KKc4, Achromobacter xylosoxidans strain KKc6 and Bacillus megaterium KKc7 were isolated based on their migration towards endosulfan in a soil column. Out of the four bacteria, B. megaterium converted endosulfan into toxic metabolite endosulfan sulphate, while the other three bacteria followed the non-toxic endosulfan diol pathway. The mixed culture system consisting of P. aeruginosa, Ochrobactrum sp and A. xylosoxidans could remove 94% of total endosulfan by using endosulfan as the sole source of sulphur.

Cytochrome P450 BM3 of Bacillus megaterium - a possible endosulfan biotransforming gene

Computing chemistry was applied to understand biotransformation mechanism of an organochlorine pesticide, endosulfan. The stereo specific metabolic activity of human CYP-2B6 (cytochrome P450) on endosulfan has been well demonstrated. Sequence and structural similarity search revealed that the bacterium Bacillus megaterium encodes CYP-BM3, which is similar to CYP-2B6. The functional similarity was studied at organism level by batch-scale studies and it was proved that B. megaterium could metabolize endosulfan to endosulfan sulfate, as CYP-2B6 does in human system. The gene expression analyses also confirmed the possible role of CYP-BM3 in endosulfan metabolism. Thus, our results show that the protein structure based in-silico approach can help us to understand and identify microbes for remediation strategy development. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report which has extrapolated the bacterial gene for endosulfan biotransformation through in silico prediction approach for metabolic gene identification.

Carbonic anhydrase mediated carbon dioxide sequestration: promises, challenges and future prospects

Anthropogenic activities have substantially increased the level of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere and are contributing significantly to the global warming. Carbon dioxide (CO2 ) is one of the major GHGs which plays a key role in the climate change. Various approaches and methodologies are under investigation to address CO2 capture and sequestration worldwide. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) mediated CO2 sequestration is one of the promising options. Therefore, the present review elaborates recent developments in CA, its immobilization and bioreactor methodologies towards CO2 sequestration using the CA enzyme. The promises and challenges associated with the efficient utilization of CA for CO2 sequestration and scale up from flask to lab-scale bioreactor are critically discussed. Finally, the current review also recommends the possible future needs and directions to utilize CA for CO2 sequestration.

Beta caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide, isolated from Aegle marmelos, as the potent anti-inflammatory agents against lymphoma and neuroblastoma cells

Aegle marmelos (Indian Bael) is a tree which belongs to the family of Rutaceae. It holds a prominent position in both Indian medicine and Indian culture. We have screened various fractions of Aegle marmelos extracts for their anticancer properties using in vitro cell models. Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to analyze the biomolecules present in the Aegle marmelos extract. Jurkat and human neuroblastoma (IMR-32) cells were treated with different concentrations of the fractionated Aegle marmelos extracts. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that optimal concentration (50 µg/ml) of beta caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide fractions of Aegle marmelos extract can induce apoptosis in Jurkat cell line. cDNA expression profiling of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes was carried out using real time PCR (RT-PCR). Down-regulation of anti-apoptotic genes (bcl-2, mdm2, cox2 and cmyb) and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes (bax, bak1, caspase-8, caspase-9 and ATM) in Jurkat and IMR-32 cells treated with the beta caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide fractions of Aegle marmelos extract revealed the insights of the downstream apoptotic mechanism. Furthermore, in-silico approach was employed to understand the upstream target involved in the induction of apoptosis by the beta caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide fractions of Aegle marmelos extract. Herein, we report that beta caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide isolated from Aegle marmelos can act as potent anti-inflammatory agents and modulators of a newly established therapeutic target, 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX). Beta caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide can induce apoptosis in lymphoma and neuroblastoma cells via modulation of 15-LOX (up-stream target) followed by the down-regulation of anti-apoptotic and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes.

Stress-induced lipids are unsuitable as a direct biodiesel feedstock: a case study with Chlorella pyrenoidosa

The effects of various stresses on the suitability of lipid synthesized by Chlorella pyrenoidosa for biodiesel production were investigated. Lipids were characterized for detailed fatty acid methyl ester profiling and biodiesel properties like cetane number (CN), iodine value, cold filter plugging point (CFPP). Maximum biomass productivity (106.63 mgL(-1)d(-1)) and lipid content (29.68%) were obtained at indoor cultivation (nitrate sufficient, pH 8-10, 24h illumination). However, compared to this condition, other nitrate sufficient cultures [pH 6-8 and 10-12 (24h illumination), and at ambient CO2 and 16:8h light:dark photoperiod (pH unadjusted)] showed ∼12-14% lower lipid productivity. Upon 50% nitrate depletion (at indoor and outdoor; pH unadjusted) lipid content has increased by 7.62% and 17%, respectively. Though stress conditions helped enhancing lipid accumulation, there was two-fold increase in PUFA content compared to that observed at pH 8-10. This resulted in fuel properties which did not comply with the biodiesel standards.

Evaluation and analysis of noise levels at traffic intersections of Nagpur city, India

The objective of the present study was to monitor and assess the noise levels at traffic intersections in Napgur city under heterogenic traffic activities. For this, traffic volume and noise level were measured at intersections on highways, major roads andring road during morning and evening peak hours. Traffic volume was categorized in light, medium and heavy vehicles while noise levels were measured for Lmin, Lmax, Leq , L10 and L90. Equivalent noise was observed in the range of 71.3 to 79.3 dB(A) at the traffic intersections. Due to heterogenic traffic conditions and activities at the intersection like honking, idling, gear noise, bearing noise, breaking noise, tyre-road noise and exhaust noise, no correlation was established between traffic volume and observed noise levels except West High Court road. A strong correlation was found at West High Court road due to controlled traffic flow and less impact of heavy vehicles. Impact of noisy vehicles on general traffic was also assessed at the traffic intersections based on noise pollution levels and traffic noise index. The study suggests that control measures are required at the traffic intersections to minimize noise pollution levels.

Diversity of bacteria and archaea from a landfill in Chandigarh, India as revealed by culture-dependent and culture-independent molecular approaches

The bacterial community structure of a municipal landfill in Chandigarh, India was analysed by culture-dependent as well as culture-independent molecular approaches, and archaeal structure by the latter method. Samples were collected in two phases from the surface and a depth of 0.91 m in June, 2004 and from 0.91 m, 1.52 m and 1.68 m in May, 2005. After serial dilutions, samples were plated onto tryptic soy agar (TSA), plate count agar (PCA), tryptic soy broth agar (TSBA) and TSBA100 (TSBA diluted 100 times and solidified with agarose), and incubated aerobically at 30°C. The number of bacteria (CFU) on different media ranged between 9.4×10⁵g⁻¹ (on PCA) and 1.9×10⁷g⁻¹ (on TSA) (wet weight). The numbers of bacteria enumerated from plates incubated anaerobically (anaerobic agar and reinforced clostridial agar) were 2.1×10⁷and 1.7×10⁶g⁻¹, respectively. Of the 468 isolated and purified bacteria (183 in the first phase and 285 in the second phase), 135 were characterised using phenotypic characteristics as well as 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. It was found that members of the phylum Firmicutes were overwhelmingly predominant (86.6%) in the landfill, followed by Actinobacteria (9.6%) and Proteobacteria (3.7%). Among the Firmicutes, at least 17 species from the single genus Bacillus were the most abundant inhabitants of the landfill. Detailed polyphasic characterisation of many of these isolates led to the discovery of a novel genus Paenisporosarcina (and the species P. quisquiliarum), a novel species of Microbacterium, M. immunditiarum, and reclassification of Sporosarcina macmurdoensis, Pelagibacillus goriensis, Bacillus silvestris, Bacillus insolitus, Bacillus psychrotolerans and Bacillus psychrodurans. Culture-independent analysis of two 16S rRNA gene libraries also revealed that the phylum Firmicutes was the predominant group in this community. The diversity of Archaea was found to be limited mainly to members of two orders: Methanosarcinales and Methanomicrobiales of the phylum Euryarchaeota. When these results were compared to those reported earlier on similar studies, it was found that irrespective of differences in composition of municipal solid waste (especially compostable organic matter and paper) and climate, the members of bacterial and archaeal communities in landfills of many countries remained broadly similar.

Cellular alterations and modulation of protein expression in bitumen-challenged human osteoblast cells

PURPOSE

There are many arguments on the carcinogenic potential of bitumen extract. The mechanism of bitumen-induced damage is not well understood at the molecular level. Therefore, in the present study, cell-transforming and tumor-inducing potential of bitumen extract was studied using in vitro [human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells] and in vivo [nude and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice] models.

METHODS

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was carried out to find out the existence of carcinogenic compounds in the bitumen extract. Cell transformation test, anchorage independence assay, karyotyping assay, tumorigenicity assay, and 2-DE analysis were used to find out the effect of bitumen using the in vitro and in vivo models.

RESULTS

GC/MS analysis showed the existence of carcinogenic compounds in the bitumen extract. HOS cells were treated with different concentrations (25, 50, and 100 μl/ml) of bitumen extract. Compared to the parental HOS cells, bitumen transformants (HOS T1 and HOS T2) showed the characteristics of anchorage independency, chromosomal anomaly, and cellular transformation. Interestingly, bitumen transformants were not able to form tumor in nude/SCID mice. Proteomic analysis revealed the existence of 19 differentially expressed proteins involved in progression of cancer, angiogenesis, cell adhesion, etc.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure of bitumen extract to HOS cells results in the cellular transformation similar to cancer cells and can modulate proteins involved in the progression of cancer. We state that the non-tumorogenic potential of bitumen transformant in nude/SCID mice can be attributed to the downregulation of galectin-1, chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1-like gene, and membrane-associated guanylate kinase 2 protein.

The Genotoxicity of Priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Containing Sludge Samples

ABSTRACT In this research work we developed in vitro tests utilizing mammalian cell cultures, which can rapidly assess effect of exposure of oily sludge-derived chemicals on human and ecological health. Many of these are hazardous to health and environment due to their toxicity and/or accumulation potential in sediments as well as in organisms. Petroleum refinery and petrochemical industry-derived oily sludges contain toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), some of which are lipophilic in nature. Risk assessment of environmental samples suffers from inadequate availability of toxicity data, lack of knowledge about behavior of genotoxic substances in complex matrices, paucity of information on synergistic and antagonistic interactions of mixture of components, etc.; the literature describing the behavior of genotoxic substances in complex mixtures is sparse and sometimes contradictory. The present study aims at assessing the genotoxic potential of oily sludges collected from an integrated petroleum refinery and petrochemical industry located in the southwestern part of India and a petrochemical industry located in the western part of India using a battery of genotoxicity assays such as DNA damage/strand break, chromosomal aberration, p(53) protein induction, and apoptosis in CHO-K1 cell culture system. Exposure with different dose levels of sludge extracts (25, 50, 100 muL) in CHO-K1 cells could cause statistically significant level of (P < 0.001) DNA damage, chromosomal aberration, p(53) protein induction, and apoptosis in comparison to negative control treatment groups, and the genotoxicity was attributed to PAHs present in the sludge as identified by GC-MS. This implies that the sludges are genotoxic in nature in mammalian cells tested, and the exposure to these may pose a potential genotoxic risk to human beings.

Microbacterium immunditiarum sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from landfill surface soil, and emended description of the genus Microbacterium

A Gram-positive, non-endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain SK 18T, was isolated from surface soil of a landfill site by dilution plating on trypticase soy broth agar. Preliminary characterization of strain SK 18T via biochemical tests, analysis of fatty acid methyl esters and partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing placed it within the genus Microbacterium . Analysis of the cell wall indicated that the peptidoglycan was of cross-linkage type B, containing the amino acids lysine and ornithine and with muramic acid in the N-glycolyl form. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified glycolipid. The major fatty acids of the cell membrane were anteiso-C17 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. These data further strengthened placement of the strain within the genus Microbacterium . Strain SK 18T shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.2 %) with Microbacterium ulmi DSM 16931T. Levels of similarity with the type strains of all other recognized Microbacterium species were less than 97.0 %. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments with strain SK 18T and its closest relative, M. ulmi DSM 16931T, revealed a low reassociation value of 39.0 % (σ = 3.8 %). Moreover, strain SK 18T showed a number of differences in phenotypic characteristics (colony colour, catalase activity, hydrolysis of polymers, acid production from sugars and oxidation of various substrates), and its DNA G+C content was also higher than that of M. ulmi DSM 16931T. These data indicated that strain SK 18T represents a novel species of the genus Microbacterium , for which the name Microbacterium immunditiarum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SK 18T ( = MTCC 7185T = JCM 14034T). An emended description of the genus Microbacterium is also provided.

Simultaneous degradation of cyanide and phenol in upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor

Coal coking, precious metals mining and nitrile polymer industries generate over several billion liters of cyanide-containing waste annually. Economic and environmental considerations make biological technologies attractive for treatment of wastes containing high organic content, in which the microbial cultures can remove concentrations of organics and cyanide simultaneously. For cyanide and phenol bearing waste treatment, an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor has been developed, which successfully removed free cyanide 98% (with feed concentration of 20 mg 1(-1)) in presence of phenol. The effect of cyanide on phenol degradation was studied with varying concentrations of phenol as well as cyanide under anaerobic conditions. This study revealed that the methanogenic degradation of phenol can occur in the presence of cyanide concentration 30-38 mg 1(-1). Higher cyanide concentration inhibited the phenol degradation rate. The inhibition constant Ki was found to be 38 mg 1(-1) with phenol removal rate of 9.09 mg 1(-1.) x h.

Alkaline peroxide assisted wet air oxidation pretreatment approach to enhance enzymatic convertibility of rice husk

Pretreatment of rice husk by alkaline peroxide assisted wet air oxidation (APAWAO) approach was investigated with the aim to enhance the enzymatic convertibility of cellulose in pretreated rice husk. Rice husk was presoaked overnight in 1% (w/v) H(2)O(2) solution (pH adjusted to 11.5 using NaOH) (equivalent to 16.67 g H(2)O(2) and 3.63 g NaOH per 100 g dry, untreated rice husk) at room temperature, followed by wet air oxidation (WAO). APAWAO pretreatment resulted in solubilization of 67 wt % of hemicellulose and 88 wt % of lignin initially present in raw rice husk. Some amount of oligomeric glucose (˜8.3 g/L) was also observed in the APAWAO liquid fraction. APAWAO pretreatment resulted in 13-fold increase in the amount of glucose that could be obtained from otherwise untreated rice husk. Up to 86 wt % of cellulose in the pretreated rice husk (solid fraction) could be converted into glucose within 24 hours, yielding over 21 g glucose per 100 g original rice husk. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to visualize changes in biomass structure following the APAWAO pretreatment. Enzymatic cellulose convertibility of the pretreated slurry at high dry matter loadings was also investigated.

DNA repair gene polymorphisms at XRCC1, XRCC3, XPD, and OGG1 loci in Maharashtrian population of central India

Reduction in DNA repair capacity is associated with increased rates of birth defects, cancer, and accelerated ageing. Genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair genes might influence the repair activities of the enzymes predisposing individuals to cancer risk. Owing to the presence of these genetic variants, inter-individual and ethnic differences in DNA repair capacity have been observed in various populations. India harbors enormous genetic, cultural and linguistic diversity. The present study was undertaken to determine the allele and genotype frequencies of four non-synonymous SNPs, XRCC1 Arg399Gln (C>T, rs25487), XRCC3 Thr241Met (G>A, rs861539), XPD Lys751Gln (T>G, rs13181), and OGG1 Ser326Cys (C>G, rs1052133) in the Maharashtrian population, residing in the Vidarbha region of central India and to compare them with HapMap and other Indian populations. The variant alleles of these polymorphisms have been found to be positively associated with different forms of cancer in several genetic epidemiological studies. The basic prevalence of these polymorphisms in the general population must be known to evaluate their significance in risk assessment in cancer and other phenotypes. About 215 healthy and unrelated individuals from the Maharashtrian population were genotyped for each of these four polymorphisms using PCR-RFLP. The allele and genotype frequency distribution at the four DNA repair gene loci among Maharashtrians revealed a characteristic pattern. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of these DNA repair gene polymorphisms in a central Indian population.

E-waste scenario in India, its management and implications

Electronic waste or E-waste comprises of old, end-of-life electronic appliances such as computers, laptops, TVs, DVD players, refrigerators, freezers, mobile phones, MP3 players, etc., which have been disposed of by their original users. E-waste contains many hazardous constituents that may negatively impact the environment and affect human health if not properly managed. Various organizations, bodies, and governments of many countries have adopted and/or developed the environmentally sound options and strategies for E-waste management to tackle the ever growing threat of E-waste to the environment and human health. This paper presents E-waste composition, categorization, Global and Indian E-waste scenarios, prospects of recoverable, recyclable, and hazardous materials found in the E-waste, Best Available Practices, recycling, and recovery processes followed, and their environmental and occupational hazards. Based on the discussion, various challenges for E-waste management particularly in India are delineated, and needed policy interventions were discussed.

A roadmap for development of sustainable E-waste management system in India

The problem of E-waste has forced Environmental agencies of many countries to innovate, develop and adopt environmentally sound options and strategies for E-waste management, with a view to mitigate and control the ever growing threat of E-waste to the environment and human health. E-waste management is given the top priority in many developed countries, but in rapid developing countries like India, it is difficult to completely adopt or replicate the E-waste management system in developed countries due to many country specific issues viz. socio-economic conditions, lack of infrastructure, absence of appropriate legislations for E-waste, approach and commitments of the concerned, etc. This paper presents a review and assessment of the E-waste management system of developed as well as developing countries with a special emphasis on Switzerland, which is the first country in the world to have established and implemented a formal E-waste management system and has recycled 11kg/capita of WEEE against the target of 4kg/capita set by EU. And based on the discussions of various approaches, laws, legislations, practices of different countries, a road map for the development of sustainable and effective E-waste management system in India for ensuring environment, as well as, occupational safety and health, is proposed.

Bio-mitigation of CO(2), calcite formation and simultaneous biodiesel precursors production using Chlorella sp

In this study, an attempt was made to use micro-algal system for the production of biodiesel precursors and simultaneous CO(2) mitigation. Chlorella sp. was found to have a higher growth rate as compared to the other algal species tested namely Chlamydomonas sp. and Synnecococcus sp. At different CO(2) concentrations (0.03%, 3%, 10% and 15%), the lipid productivity was 23.0, 20.0 and 27.3mg/L/d respectively. Calcite produced was characterized using FT-IR, SEM and XRD. The FAME in crude biofuel was analyzed by GC-FID that found to contain palmitic acid (C16:0), docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6). The calorific value of Chlorella sp. was found to be 29kJ/g which is higher than values reported for fresh water microalgae making it a potential candidate to be used as an alternate fuel.

Genetic polymorphism of CYP2D6∗2 C→T 2850, GSTM1, NQO1 genes and their correlation with biomarkers in manganese miners of Central India

Manganese (Mn) intoxication is most often regarded as an occupational manifestation and occurs in places such as manganese mines, dry cell battery plants and ceramic industries. In the present study, the influence of genetic polymorphism in cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6∗2), glutathione S-transferase M1 (GSTM1) and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) genes on blood manganese and plasma prolactin concentrations in manganese miners was investigated. Genotyping of CYP2D6∗2 C→T 2850 and NQO1 C→T 609 was carried out using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) whereas the genotyping of GSTM1 was carried out by multiplex PCR using beta globin as an internal control. Manganese miners with CYP2D6∗2 C→T 2850 variant genotype had relatively low Mn concentration [GM: 21.4±8.9 μg L(-1)] than the subjects with wild (GM: 36.3±8.5 μg L(-1)) and heterozygous (GM: 34.4±6.9 μg L(-1)) genotypes. Miners with CYP2D6∗2 variant genotypes showed low prolactin levels (GM: 13.13±1.6 ng mL(-1)) compared to the wild (GM: 16.4.4±1.5 μg L(-1)) and heterozygous (GM: 18.7±1.6 ng mL(-1)) genotypes. Gene-gene interaction studies also revealed that the subjects with CYP2D6∗2 C→T 2850 variant genotypes had low levels of Mn and prolactin. Our new findings suggest that CYP2D6∗2 C→T 2850 variant genotypes can regulate plasma prolactin levels in manganese miners of Central India and could be involved in the fast metabolism of blood manganese, compared to wild and heterozygous genotypes.

Temporal variation in density and diversity of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in lakes at Nagpur (Maharashtra State), India

Toxic cyanobacteria (TCB) are known worldwide for the adverse impacts on humans and animals. Species composition and the seasonal variation of TCB in water bodies depend on interactions between physical and chemical factors. The present investigation delineates temporal variations in physico-chemical water quality parameters, viz. nutrients and density, diversity, and distribution of toxic cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in Lake Ambazari (21 degrees 7'52''N, 79 degrees 2'22''E) and Lake Phutala (21 degrees 9'18''N, 79 degrees 2'37''E) at Nagpur (Maharashtra State), India. These lakes are important sources of recreational activities and fisheries. Toxic cyanobacterial diversity comprised Anabaena, Oscillatoria, Lyngbya, Phormidium, and Microcystis, a well-known toxic cyanobacterial genus, as dominant. Chlorophyll-a concentrations in the lakes ranged from 1.44 to 71.74 mg/m(3). A positive correlation of Microcystis biomass existed with orthophosphate-P (p < 0.05) and nitrate-N (p > 0.05). Identification and quantification of microcystin variants were carried out by high performance liquid chromatography equipped with photodiode array detector. Among all the tested toxin variants, microcystin-RR (arginine-arginine) was consistently recorded and exhibited a positive correlation (p < 0.05) with Microcystis in both the water bodies. Microcystis bloom formation was remarkable between post-monsoon and summer. Besides nutrient concentrations governing bloom formation, the allelopathic role of microcystins needs to be established.

Environmental impact of plantations in and around the petroleum refinery: a case study

Plantation or green belt (GB) grown around the factories and industrial premises improves the condition of land, mitigates air pollution (as the plants serve as a sink for pollutants and check the flow of dust, etc.), and reduces the level of noise pollution. The software developed by NEERI for the determination of the optimal width of GB in and around an industry is based on the pollution attenuation coefficient of selected plant species of deciduous trees existing in the region. The assessment of the impact of these plantations/green belts of 500-m width in and around a petroleum refinery in the west coast of India is evaluated for reducing/managing various waste generated, and it is observed that the overall efficiency is more than 60%.

Differential antioxidative enzyme responses of Jatropha curcas L. to chromium stress

Chromium (Cr) tolerant and accumulation capability of Jatropha curcas L. was tested in Cr spiked soil amended with biosludge and biofertilizer. Plants were cultivated in soils containing 0, 25, 50, 100 and 250 mg kg(-1) of Cr for one year with and without amendment. Plant tissue analysis showed that combined application of biosludge and biofertilizer could significantly reduce Cr uptake and boost the plant biomass, whereas biofertilizer alone did not affect the uptake and plant growth. Antioxidative responses of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were increased with increasing Cr concentration in plant. Hyperactivity of the CAT and GST indicated that antioxidant enzymes played an important role in protecting the plant from Cr toxicity. However, APX took a little part in detoxification of H(2)O(2) due to its sensitivity to Cr. Therefore, reduced APX activity was recorded. Reduced glutathione (GSH) activity was recorded in plant grown on/above 100 mg kg(-1) of Cr in soil. The study concludes that J. curcas could grow under chromium stress. Furthermore, the results encouraged that J. curcas is a suitable candidate for the restoration of Cr contaminated soils with the concomitant application of biosludge and biofertilizer.

Psychrobacillus gen. nov. and proposal for reclassification of Bacillus insolitus Larkin & Stokes, 1967, B. psychrotolerans Abd-El Rahman et al., 2002 and B. psychrodurans Abd-El Rahman et al., 2002 as Psychrobacillus insolitus comb. nov., Psychrobacillus psychrotolerans comb. nov. and Psychrobacillus psychrodurans comb. nov

The taxonomic status of three Bacillus species, Bacillus insolitus, B. psychrodurans and B. psychrotolerans was reexamined using a polyphasic approach. In our analysis, these three Bacillus species formed a cluster separate from other members of Bacillus rRNA group 2 [5] and from Bacillus sensu stricto. These three species shared high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between them (97.8-99.7%) and showed closest sequence similarity (95.3-96.3%) to Paenisporosarcina quisquiliarum gen. nov., sp. nov. [18]. Sequence similarities with other related genera ranged between 90.9% and 94.5%. Phylogenetic coherence of the three species was supported by phenotypic characteristics, such as growth at low temperatures, negative oxidation and assimilation of many carbohydrates, MK8 as the major isoprenoid quinine and broadly similar polar lipid profiles. All three species had a similar peptidoglycan type of the variation A4β and similar genomic G+C contents (35.7-36.6 mol% [1]). Genomic relatedness among them was shown to be less than 70% and justified their separate species status [1]. These three species could be differentiated from each other and from related taxa on the basis of phenotypic, including chemotaxonomic, characteristics and ribotype patterns. On the basis of our analysis, we propose a new genus Psychrobacillus gen. nov. and to transfer B. insolitus, B. psychrodurans and B. psychrotolerans to the new genus as Psychrobacillus insolitus comb. nov. (type species of the genus; type strain W16B(T)=DSM 5(T)), P. psychrodurans comb. nov. (type strain 68E3(T)=DSM 11713(T)) and P. psychrotolerans comb. nov. (type strain 3H1(T)=DSM 11706(T)).

Heavy metal resistance in Arthrobacter ramosus strain G2 isolated from mercuric salt-contaminated soil

Present study describes isolation of a multiple metal-resistant Arthrobacter ramosus strain from mercuric salt-contaminated soil. The isolate was found to resist and bioaccumulate several metals, such as cadmium, cobalt, zinc, chromium and mercury. Maximum tolerated concentrations for above metals were found to be 37, 525, 348, 1530 and 369 microM, respectively. The isolate could also reduce and detoxify redox-active metals like chromium and mercury, indicating that it has great potential in bioremediation of heavy metal-contaminated sites. Chromate reductase and mercuric reductase (MerA) activities in protein extract of the culture were found to be 2.3 and 0.17 units mg(-1) protein, respectively. MerA enzyme was isolated from the culture by (NH(4))(2)SO(4) precipitation followed by dye affinity chromatography and its identity was confirmed by nano-LC-MS/MS. Its monomeric molecular weight, and optimum pH and temperature were 57kDa, 7.4 and 55 degrees C, respectively. Thus, the enzyme was mildly thermophilic as compared to other MerA enzymes. K(m) and V(max) of the enzyme were 16.9 microM HgCl(2) and 6.2 micromol min(-1)mg(-1) enzyme, respectively. The enzyme was found to be NADPH-specific. To our knowledge this is the first report on characterization of MerA enzyme from an Arthrobacter sp.

Antigenotoxic potential of Gymnema montanum leaves on DNA damage in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and HL-60 cell line

In this study we have evaluated the genoprotective effect of the ethanol extract of Gymnema montanum (GLEt) leaves in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and HL-60 cell line in vitro using the comet assay. DNA damage was induced by treating the cells with H(2)O(2) and methyl methane sulphonate (MMS). GLEt treatment effectively protected the lymphocytes and HL-60 cell line from H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner whereas it was not effective against alkylative DNA damage caused by MMS. The global percent repair efficiency also showed that both pre- and post- GLEt treatment provided effective protection against H(2)O(2) induced DNA damage but not as effective against MMS. At 200 microg ml(-1) level, its repair capacity against H(2)O(2) induced DNA damage was comparable to that of vitamin-C (100 microM). Furthermore, exposure to GLEt reduced the formation of apoptotic cells caused by H(2)O(2), which was demonstrated by the decreased sub-G1-DNA content in cell cycle analysis and apoptotic frequencies of lymphocytes in an annexin-V binding assay. In addition, GLEt was found to have effective peroxide scavenging ability in dose-dependent manner. The protective efficiency of the extract was found to be directly proportional to its total phenolic content. The present study indicates that G. montanum leaves are a significant source of phytochemicals with antigenotoxic and antioxidant activity, and thus has potential therapeutic use.

Study on poly-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production in pilot scale continuous mode wastewater treatment system

Generation of poly-hydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from milk and ice-cream processing wastewater was studied in a continuous mode reactor system at pilot scale. The integrated system comprised an anaerobic acidogenic reactor (AAR), a conventional activated sludge production reactor (ASPR) and a PHA synthesis reactor (PHAR) to induce PHA accumulation in the biomass which was finally harvested while treating the raw dairy wastewater to meet the disposal limits thereby reducing generation of disposable sludge. The PHA content in the PHA rich biomass was approximately 43% of the sludge dry weight. Kinetics of both ASPR and PHAR were studied. The maximum PHA yield coefficient (Y(sp)(max)) with respect to COD degradation in the PHAR was derived as 0.25 kg PHA/kg of COD degraded. Similarly, the kinetic parameters i.e. K(s), micro(m), Y(obs) and k(d) of the ASPR were 37.16 mg/l COD, 0.97 d(-1), 0.51 mg MLSS/mg COD and 0.049 d(-1), respectively.

Enhanced algal CO(2) sequestration through calcite deposition by Chlorella sp. and Spirulina platensis in a mini-raceway pond

Biological CO(2) sequestration using algal reactors is one of the most promising and environmentally benign technologies to sequester CO(2). This research study was taken up to alleviate certain limitations associated with the technology such as low CO(2) sequestration efficiency and low biomass yields. The study demonstrates an increase in CO(2) sequestration efficiency by maneuvering chemically aided biological sequestration of CO(2). Chlorella sp. and Spirulina platensis showed 46% and 39% mean fixation efficiency, respectively, at input CO(2) concentration of 10%. The effect of acetazolamide, a potent carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, on CO(2) sequestration efficiency was studied to demonstrate the role of carbonic anhydrase in calcite deposition. Calcite formed by both species was characterized by scanning electron microscopy coupled electron dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The overall scheme of calcite deposition coupled CO(2) fixation with commercially utilizable biomass as a product seems a viable option in the efforts to sequester increasing CO(2) emissions.

Carbon sequestration in reclaimed manganese mine land at Gumgaon, India

Carbon emission is supposed to be the strongest factor for global warming. Removing atmospheric carbon and storing it in the terrestrial biosphere is one of the cost-effective options, to compensate greenhouse gas emission. Millions of acres of abandoned mine land throughout the world, if restored and converted into vegetative land, would solve two major problems of global warming and generation of degraded wasteland. In this study, a manganese spoil dump at Gumgaon, Nagpur in India was reclaimed, using an integrated biotechnological approach (IBA). The physicochemical and microbiological status of the mine land improved after reclamation. Soil organic carbon (SOC) pool increased from 0.104% to 0.69% after 20 years of reclamation in 0-15 cm spoil depth. Soil organic carbon level of reclaimed site was also compared with a native forestland and agricultural land. Forest soil showed highest SOC level of 1.11% followed by reclaimed land and agriculture land of 0.70% and 0.40%, respectively. Soil profile studies of all three sites showed that SOC pool decreased from 0-15, 15-30, and 30-45 cm depths. Although reclaimed land showed less carbon than forestland, it showed better SOC accumulation rate. Reclamation of mine lands by using IBA is an effective method for mitigating CO2 emissions.

Gymnema montanum H. protects against alloxan-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in pancreatic beta-cells

The present study evaluated the molecular mechanism of antidiabetic property of G. montanum leaf extract (GLEt) against alloxan-induced apoptotic cell death in rat insulinoma cells (RINm5F). The pre-treatment of GLEt (5 microg and 10 microg/ml) resulted in significant decrease in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, nitric oxide (NO) production along with increase in mitochondrial membrane potential in alloxan (7mM/ml) treated cells. Further GLEt reduced apoptosis by inhibiting the release of cytochrome c and subsequent cleavage of PARP and caspase-3. The immunochemical staining of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) also evidenced the suppression of oxidative stress by GLEt. The cell cycle analysis, annexin-V labelling assay and TUNEL assay showed the suppression of apoptosis by the treatment of GLEt. Moreover, GLEt significantly increased the cellular antioxidant levels and decreased the lipid peroxides in alloxan-treated RINm5F cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that G. montanum protects pancreatic beta-cells against reactive oxygen species (ROS) by counteracting with mitochondrial membrane permeability and inhibition of the apoptotic pathway.

Developmental strategies for sustainable ecosystem on mine spoil dumps: a case of study

An important goal of ecological rehabilitation is to accelerate natural successional processes to increase biological productivity, soil fertility and biotic control over biogeochemical fluxes within the recovering ecosystems. A new approach called Microbe Assisted Green Technology (MAGT) is an integrated biotechnological approach developed at National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) through exhaustive laboratory as well as field studies and serve as a model for land reclamation and development of lush green vegetation on mine overburdens. One year old seedlings of native tree species were planted on 6.3 ha area of manganese mine overburden at Gumgaon under Manganese Ore India Ltd., Maharashtra, India. Continuous efforts resulted in nutrient rich soil with high N, P, K and organic carbon; well developed biodiversity, including bacteria, fungi, higher plants (more than 350 species) and different classes of animals. Planted trees accumulated 698 t ha( - 1) above ground biomass and 143 t ha( - 1) below ground mass. This was achieved in 18 years by MAGT, which otherwise takes hundreds of years.

Bioaccumulation and phyto-translocation of arsenic, chromium and zinc by Jatropha curcas L.: impact of dairy sludge and biofertilizer

The present study was planned to remediate the metalloid and metal contaminated soil by using non-edible and economic plant species Jatropha curcas L. The experiment was conducted on pots to improve the survival rate, metal tolerance and growth response of the plant on soil; having different concentrations of arsenic, chromium and zinc. The soil was amended with dairy sludge and bacterial inoculum (Azotobacter chroococcum) as biofertilizer. The results of the study showed that the bioaccumulation potential was increased with increase in metalloid and metal concentration in soil system. Application of dairy sludge significantly reduces the DTPA-extractable As, Cr and Zn concentration in soil. The application of organic amendment stabilizes the As, Cr and Zn and reduced their uptake in plant tissues.

Utilization of molasses spentwash for production of bioplastics by waste activated sludge

Present study describes the treatment of molasses spentwash and its use as a potential low cost substrate for production of biopolymer polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) by waste activated sludge. Fluorescence microscopy revealed the presence of PHB granules in sludge biomass which was further confirmed by fourier transform-infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The processing of molasses spentwash was carried out for attaining different ratios of carbon and nitrogen (C:N). Highest chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and PHB accumulation of 60% and 31% respectively was achieved with raw molasses spentwash containing inorganic nitrogen (C:N ratio=28) followed by COD removal of 52% and PHB accumulation of 28% for filtered molasses containing inorganic nitrogen (C:N ratio=29). PHB production yield (Y(p/s)) was highest (0.184 g g(-1) COD consumed) for deproteinized spentwash supplemented with nitrogen. In contrast, the substrate consumption and product formation were higher in case of raw spentwash. Though COD removal was lowest from deproteinized spentwash, evaluation of kinetic parameters suggested higher rates of conversion of available carbon to biomass and PHB. Thus the process provided dual benefit of conversion of two wastes viz. waste activated sludge and molasses spentwash into value-added product-PHB.

Fontibacillus aquaticus gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from a warm spring

A novel facultatively anaerobic strain, designated GPTSA 19(T), was isolated from a warm spring and characterized using a polyphasic approach. The strain behaved as Gram-negative in the Gram staining procedure but showed a Gram-positive reaction in the aminopeptidase test. The novel strain was a mesophilic rod with ellipsoidal endospores. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strain showed closest similarity (96.0 %) with Paenibacillus motobuensis MC10(T). The gene sequence similarity of the novel strain with other species of the genus Paenibacillus was <95.8 %. The novel strain also had PAEN 515F and 682F signature sequence stretches in the 16S rRNA gene that are usually found in most species of the genus Paenibacillus. The strain possessed anteiso-C(15 : 0) as the major fatty acid and MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone. Polar lipids included diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), six unknown phospholipids (PLs), one aminophospholipid (PN), three glycolipids (GLs), two aminolipids (ALs), one aminophosphoglycolipid (APGL) and three unknown lipids (ULs). The polar lipid profile of the novel strain, especially as regards ALs, GLs and PLs, distinguished it from the recognized type species of the genus Paenibacillus, Paenibacillus polymyxa, as well as from its closest relative P. motobuensis. Based on phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics and analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, the new strain merits the rank of a novel genus for which the name Fontibacillus gen. nov. is proposed. The type species of the new genus is Fontibacillus aquaticus gen. nov., sp. nov. with the type strain GPTSA 19(T) (=MTCC 7155(T)=DSM 17643(T)).

Description of Paenisporosarcina quisquiliarum gen. nov., sp. nov., and reclassification of Sporosarcina macmurdoensis Reddy et al. 2003 as Paenisporosarcina macmurdoensis comb. nov

In the course of a study of the prokaryotic diversity of a landfill site in Chandigarh, India, a strain designated SK 55(T) was isolated and characterized using a polyphasic approach. Its 16S rRNA gene sequence showed closest similarity (98.3 %) to that of Sporosarcina macmurdoensis CMS 21w(T). The sequence similarity to strains of other hitherto described species of Sporosarcina was less than 95.5 %. Strain SK 55(T) contains peptidoglycan of the A4alpha type (l-Lys-d-Asp), MK-8 and MK-7 as the major menaquinones and iso-C(15 : 0) as the major fatty acid. Strain SK 55(T), Sporosarcina macmurdoensis and Sporosarcina ureae, the type species of the genus, had some polar lipids in common (diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, a phospholipid and an unknown lipid). However, an aminolipid, an aminophospholipid and an unknown lipid found in the former two organisms are similar, though not identical, but quite different from the profile of S. ureae. The genomic DNA G+C contents of strain SK 55(T) (46.0 mol%) and S. macmurdoensis CMS 21w(T) (44.0 mol%) are higher than those reported for the majority of species of Sporosarcina (36-42 mol%). As revealed by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain SK 55(T) and S. macmurdoensis CMS 21w(T) form a clade which is distinct from the clade occupied by other species of Sporosarcina. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics including chemotaxonomic data and analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, we conclude that strain SK 55(T) should be considered as a member of a novel genus and species, for which the name Paenisporosarcina quisquiliarum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Paenisporosarcina quisquiliarum is SK 55(T) (=MTCC7604(T) =JCM 14041(T)). S. macmurdoensis CMS 21w(T) shows more similarity in its 16S rRNA gene sequence (98.3 %), DNA G+C content and polar lipid profile to strain SK 55(T) than to S. ureae DSM 2281(T). Phylogenetically, it forms a coherent cluster with strain SK 55(T) which is separate from the Sporosarcina cluster. Moreover, iso-C(15 : 0), anteiso-C(15 : 0) and C(16 : 1)omega7c alcohol are the three major fatty acids in both S. macmurdoensis CMS 21w(T) and SK 55(T). All these data suggest that S. macmurdoensis should be a member of the genus Paenisporosarcina. However, S. macmurdoensis can be differentiated from SK 55(T) in several physiological and biochemical characteristics, especially in the patterns of oxidation and acid production from carbohydrates. The genomic relatedness of S. macmurdoensis CMS 21w(T) and strain SK 55(T) was also very low (18.0 %). It is therefore logical to transfer Sporosarcina macmurdoensis to the newly created genus as Paenisporosarcina macmurdoensis comb. nov. The type strain is CMS 21w(T) (=MTCC4670(T) =DSM 15428(T)).