The genus Rhodopseudomonas is known for its versatile metabolic capabilities and has been proposed to be used in a wide variety of innovative applications, ranging from biohydrogen and electricity production, bioremediation and as biostimulant in agriculture. Here, we report the isolation, characterization and genome sequence analysis of a novel Rhodopseudomonas species, strain HC1, isolated from the Hell Creek urban native restoration area. Whole genome-based analysis, average nucleotide identity (ANI) comparison, and growth characteristics identified this isolate as a new species of the Rhodopseudomonas genus, for which we propose the name Rhodopseudomonas infernalis sp. nov. Besides containing several nitrogenases for nitrogen fixation and hydrogen production, the HC1 genome encodes a unique gene cluster, not found in any other Rhodopseudomonas species, which encodes genes for the degradation of yet-unidentified aromatic PCB-type chemicals with potentially interesting biotechnological applications. The genomic features of Rps. infernalis HC1 indicate that it plays a positive role in the degradation of anthropogenic substances and aids the restoration of the Hell Creek watershed by contributing to N2 and carbon fixation and plant growth; however, the genome also contains several antibiotic resistance genes, indicating a broad range of antibiotic resistance in this environmental isolate.
Keywords: Hell Creek; Rhodopseudomonas; antibiotic resistance; aromatic compound degradation; purple non-sulfur bacteria; taxonomy; whole genome.