Microbial populations and interactions in the biodegradation of benz(a)anthracene in a historically creosote-contaminated soil

With the aim of elucidating the microbial populations involved in the biodegradation of benz(a)anthracene (BaA), we combined DNA-SIP and shotgun metagenomics of 13C-labeled DNA for unequivocal identification and functional analysis of the key BaA-degrading phylotype, a member of the genus Immundisolibacter.Also, the influence of other HMW-PAHs on BaA degradation was ascertained in soil microcosms spiked with BaA and fluoranthene (FT), pyrene (PY) or chrysene (CHY) in binary mixtures. Through bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon metagenomic sequencing we aimed to elucidate the microbial interactions occurring in each mixture.