Genome sequence of a spore-laccase forming, BPA-degrading Bacillus sp. GZB isolated from an electronic-waste recycling site reveals insights into BPA degradation pathways.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical with known deleterious effects on biota. A genome sequencing project is an important starting point for designing a suitable BPA bioremediation process, because it provides valuable genomic information about the physiological, metabolic, and genetic potential of the microbes used for the treatment. This study explored genomic insights provided by the BPA-degrading strain Bacillus sp. GZB, previously isolated from electronic-waste-dismantling site. The GZB genome is a circular chromosome, comprised of a total of 4,077,007 bp with G+C content comprising 46.2%. Genome contained 23 contigs encoded by 3881 protein-coding genes with nine rRNA and 53 tRNA genes. A comparative study demonstrated that strain GZB bloomed with some potential features as compared to other Bacillus species. In addition, strain GZB developed spore cells and displayed laccase activity while growing at elevated stress levels. Most importantly, strain GZB contained many protein-coding genes associated with BPA degradation, as well as the degradation of several other compounds. The protein-coding genes in the genome revealed the genetic mechanisms associated with the BPA degradation by strain GZB. This study predicts four possible degradation pathways for BPA, contributing to the possible use of strain GZB to remediate different polluted environments in the future.