Microbial aerobic degradation of 4-isopropylnitrobenzene by Sphingobium yanoikuyae strain SG1.

4-Isopropylnitrobenzene (4-IPNB) is a nitroaromatic compound commonly employed as an intermediate in pesticide synthesis and chemical manufacturing. Despite its potential environmental persistence and ecological risks, the microbial degradation pathway of 4-IPNB remains largely unknown. In this study, a Gram-negative bacterium, designated Sphingobium yanoikuyae strain SG1, was isolated from a pesticide manufacturing site in Brazil for its ability to utilize 4-IPNB as the sole added source of carbon, nitrogen, and energy. Aerobic degradation of 4-IPNB by strain SG1 was accompanied by nitrite release, and intermediate-trapping experiments revealed the transient accumulation of 4-isopropylcatechol (4-IPC). Together, these findings support the initial conversion of 4-IPNB to 4-IPC through oxidative denitration and dihydroxylation. Genomic and transcriptomic analyses further inferred several candidate nitroarene dioxygenases that may catalyze this initial reaction. Furthermore, the downstream metabolism of 4-IPC proceeded via both meta- and ortho-cleavage pathways, with cell-extract enzyme assays demonstrating predominant meta-cleavage activity under the tested conditions. Strain SG1 also degraded 4-IPNB in nonsterile soil slurry microcosms, extending its degradation capability beyond defined liquid culture. This study provides the first comprehensive insight into the microbial aerobic degradation of 4-IPNB, advances our understanding of the environmental fate of emerging nitroaromatic contaminants, and supports the potential of strain SG1 in 4-IPNB biodegradation and removal.