Bacteria Genomes - DECHLOROMONAS AROMATICA

Dechloromonas aromatica are rod shaped Gram-negative bacteria

Dechloromonas aromatica strain RCB is the only organism in pure culture that can oxidizes benzene in the absence of oxygen. It can also oxidize aromatics such as toluene, benzoate, and chlorobenzoate. Benzene contamination is a significant problem worldwide. It is widely used in various manufacturing processes and is also a primary component of petroleum-based fuels. Benzene is a highly soluble, mobile, toxic, and stable hydrocarbon especially in ground and surface waters. It is poorly biodegraded in the absence of oxygen.

D. aromatica couples growth and benzene oxidation to the reduction of either O2, chlorate, or nitrate. Benzene is completely mineralized to CO2.

References:

http://genome.jgi-psf.org/draft_microbes/decar/decar.home.html
http://pmb.berkeley.edu/~coates/homepage/homepage.htm