Metagenomic sequences and MAGs from methanogenic toluene and o-xylene degrading cultures enriched from creosote-contaminated sediment

Anoxic soils, sediments, and groundwater are frequently contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons from leaking underground storage tanks, improper disposal, and accidental spills. Among these, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) are of particular concern due to their toxicity and mobility in groundwater. Anaerobic degradation of toluene and xylenes is well documented, and the key genes and enzymes involved are broadly conserved among diverse anaerobes. However, relatively few genomic studies have examined mixed consortia that degrade these compounds. DGG-T and DGG-X are two longstanding methanogenic enrichment cultures maintained on toluene or o-xylene, respectively, and originally derived from creosote-contaminated sediments in Pensacola, Florida (Edwards and Grbic-Galic, 1994, Appl Environ Microbiol 60). Previous studies, particularly on DGG-T, have provided insights into their physiology and metabolism (Ficker et al. 1999, Appl Environ Microbiol 65; Beller and Edwards 2000, Appl Environ Microbiol 66; Washer and Edwards 2007, Appl Environ Microbiol 73; Rossmassler et al. 2019, Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 103), yet their genetic compositions and community structures remain largely unresolved. Here, we report the metagenomes of DGG-T and DGG-X, sequenced using Illumina short-read and PacBio long-read platforms, with hybrid assemblies yielding complete and near-complete metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs).