Genomic and transcriptomic characterization of a novel wastewater-derived Sporosarcina sp. with broad-spectrum bioremediation potential against endocrine disruptors and pharmaceuticals

Emerging pollutants (EPs) such as pharmaceuticals, hormones, and pesticides are increasingly detected in aquatic environments due to their widespread use and incomplete removal by conventional wastewater treatment plants. Here, we applied an integrated bioprospecting approach involving whole genome sequencing and transcriptomics analysis to identify potentially novel bacteria associated with removal of emerging pollutants (EPs) from municipal wastewater sludge in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, an understudied arid region. Rapid dye decolorization screening yielded ten representative isolates, which were taxonomically identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and then evaluated using automated solid-phase extraction coupled to targeted LC–MS/MS. Most isolates decreased parent-compound concentrations of multiple EPs, including norgestrel, progesterone, levonorgestrel, norethindrone, venlafaxine, and roxithromycin, indicating measurable net removal under the tested conditions. Among them, strain AD_1 was prioritized for in-depth analysis owing to its genomic divergence (ANI 93.83%, dDDH 52.4%) and as members of the genus Sporosarcina are mainly associated with inorganic remediation and have rarely been linked to synthetic organic EPs removal. Genome annotation of Sporosarcina sp. strain AD_1 identified multiple oxidoreductase- and hydrolase-encoding genes, together with stress adaptation genes, resistance markers, and prophage elements, indicating high environmental resilience. Transcriptomic profiling under EPs exposure showed coordinated induction of genes involved in membrane remodeling, motility/chemotaxis, transport systems, and diverse oxidoreductases, including a putative and an uncharacterized SDR-like oxidoreductase, and redox/antioxidant functions, nominating candidate determinants that may contribute to EPs removal and stress tolerance. Overall, this study expands the functional landscape of sludge-derived bacteria (from under-studied arid environment) and provides a foundation for future mechanistic and application-focused evaluation of Sporosarcina sp. AD_1 for advanced wastewater treatment.