Variovorax sp. RO1 Genome sequencing and assembly. Variovorax sp. RO1

The presence of the toxic arsenic (As) in freshwater systems results from the mobility of this metalloid from the As-containing sites to the aqueous state through various biogeochemical processes. For example, volcanic rocks containing As from the Latium region, central Italy, contribute to the water As concentration. However, the exact roles of microorganisms in As biogeochemical cycling in the naturally or anthropogenically As-polluted sites remain largely unknown.Moreover, As-resistant bacteria are potentially suitable for arsenic removal technologies, and the application of biological treatments could enhance As removal efficiency. However while some bacteria generally are regarded as safe, other microorganisms are not considered safe (e.g. facultative human pathogens), which can give rise to concern. Therefore, the safety of novel strains for biotechnological application need to be investigated (case by case approach).In this study, we report the draft genome sequence of the Gram-negative As-resistant Variovorax sp. RO1 (Burkholderiales, Comamonadaceae) isolated from a freshwater well (Bassano Romano, Viterbo, Italy). The genome sequence of this betaprotobacterium of the Comamonadaceae family can provide a better understanding of arsenic biogeochemical cycle in groundwater. A comparative genomic analysis of Variovorax sp. RO1 and the related genome sequences of species belonging to the genus Variovorax, including V. boronicumulans NBRC 103145, will be carried out with a specific focus on the identification of genes for safety assessment, and biotechnological application.The study was funded with the Research Project: Microbial genomes: biotechnology and safety; INAIL-PAR 2016-2018.