Distinct Denitrification Phenotypes in Closely Related Bacteria: Clues to Understanding Variations in Nitrite Accumulation Among Stutzerimonas Strains

Abstract

Nitrite (NO 2 − ) is a key denitrification intermediate, formed from nitrate (NO 3 − ). Transient NO 2 − accumulation varies among denitrifiers, yet the underlying causes remain poorly understood, despite its potential toxicity and role in NO and N 2 O emissions. We profiled 18 related Stutzerimonas strains, including the model Stutzerimonas perfectomarina ZoBell, and identified three phenotypic clusters (full, partial and low nitrite accumulators; FNA, PNA and LNA) based on the fraction of NO 3 − ‐N transiently accumulated as NO 2 − . LNA strains lack or express the membrane‐bound nitrate reductase (NarG) late, relying on periplasmic NapA for NO 3 − reduction, possibly explaining their balanced NO 2 − production/reduction. FNA and PNA strains possess NapA and NarG but differ in their nitrite reductase (NirS) clades. Delayed nirS transcription as FNA strains transition to NO 3 − respiration likely accounts for some NO 2 − accumulation. However, addition of NO 3 − halted NO 2 − reduction in FNA strains, suggesting additional metabolic control. This may require the cytochromes NirTB, which are only found in FNA strains. The regulator DnrE was also unique to NO 2 − ‐accumulators, likely having a role in finetuning NO 2 − regulation. Our findings reveal diverse NO 2 − ‐handling phenotypes among denitrifiers and provide insights for optimizing wastewater nitrogen removal and soil bioaugmentation strategies to mitigate N 2 O emissions.

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