Applied Microbiology

High-quality bacterial genomes are essential for robust comparative genomics, reliable taxonomic assignment, and accurate pathogen and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance. Yet, public repositories still contain highly heterogeneous assemblies, and genome quality is often judged using single metrics in isolation. Here we develop an integrative Genome Quality Index (GQI) that combines four complementary metrics—including BUSCO single-copy completeness, contig number, N50, and unmapped read percentage—into a composite, interpretable score. We re-assembled and evaluated 474 pathogenic bacterial genomes submitted from South Korea using a standardized Illumina-based pipeline and validated the framework on an independent Enterobacteriaceae dataset (n = 5781). Species-level analyses and unsupervised clustering revealed pronounced variation in genome quality (one-way ANOVA, p < 1.05 × 10⁻³³), with Cronobacter sakazakii and Listeria monocytogenes showing consistently high GQI scores, whereas Mycobacterium tuberculosis exhibited broad variability, including clear low-quality outliers. After log-transforming skewed variables, contig count and N50 remained strongly negatively correlated (r = −0.83), while BUSCO completeness showed moderate positive association with N50 and negative association with unmapped reads. GQI scores spanned 0.23–0.96, with most genomes clustering between 0.70 and 0.85. A Random Forest classifier trained on the four raw metrics predicted GQI-based quality tiers (low, medium, high) with 97% accuracy. From the top-decile genomes, we derived empirical thresholds like BUSCO ≥ 98.6%, contigs ≤ 30, N50 ≥ 1 Mb, and unmapped reads ≤ 0.82% that refine existing recommendations and provide actionable curation criteria. Our framework complements tools such as CheckM, gVolante, and Hybracter by offering a platform-agnostic composite scoring system that can be integrated into submission workflows and surveillance pipelines to systematically flag low-quality genomes and improve the reliability of microbial genomics. Full article

Widespread environmental contamination by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is raising particular concerns. PFAS are remarkably resistant to microbial degradation and have a profound impact on the structure and function of microbial communities. In this study, we analyzed the effect of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on bacterial quorum sensing, a communication process that in marine Vibrio species regulates biofilm formation and dissolution, virulence factors, swimming/swarming motility and bioluminescence. A system to continuously monitor bioluminescence during the growth on agar medium of Vibrio campbellii BB120 and isogenic luxS-, cpsA- and luxM-defective mutants, unable to synthesize, respectively, the autoinducers AI-2, CAI-1, and HAI-1, was utilized. By this system, we found that PFOA has dramatic effects on bacterial growth on agar and light emission kinetics, with specific effects in the different strains depending on the set of the autoinducers produced. Furthermore, we found that PFOA inhibited swarming motility in cqsA- and luxM-defective mutants which exhibited a very robust swarming phenotype in the absence of PFOA due to the lack of CAI-1 or HAI-1 that inhibit motility. The inhibitory effect on motility could be due to increased adherence of bacterial colonies to the agar substrate caused by the presence of PFOA. These results, although obtained in an in vitro system, suggest that PFOA may strongly interfere with bacterial growth kinetics and quorum sensing-regulated responses. Full article

Chemical fungicides play a key role in protecting crops, but their use can result in environmental problems. We tested a novel fungicide, composed of endophytic microorganisms, for its effect on wheat yield, grain quality, plant development, and the rhizosphere microbiome, assessed by 16S and ITS metabarcoding. The fungicide increased the grain yield, the effect being similar to a well-known commercial bacterial fungicide, without affecting its quality. Ascomycota, Zygomycota and Mucoromycota together comprised 80% of the mycobiome. Mucoromycota/Mucoromycetes/Rhizopodaceae/Rhizopus arrhizus were significantly decreased. The dominant (≥10%) bacterial phyla were Pseudomonadota, Acidobacteriota, Bacteroidota and Actinomycetota, but their fungicide-related differences were small or random. Different modes of fungicide application (seeds only, seeds plus one or two foliar applications) had no effect on wheat characteristics. Neither of the fungicide’s agents (Raoultella ornithinolytica and Pantoea allii) were found in the rhizosphere. The changes in the mycobiome seemed more pronounced than in the bacteriobiome. The proposed preparation is concluded to have good prospects as a fungicide. However, the low species/strain resolution of the DNA metabarcoding did not allow us to fully interpret shifts in the microbiome diversity, both agronomically and environmentally. These aspects need more comprehensive investigation, using methodology with higher species resolution. Full article

The gut microbiome plays a vital role in metabolism and can be significantly influenced by body mass index (BMI). This study investigated the variations in gut microbial composition and function across different BMI categories by analyzing 16S rRNA sequencing data of 126 stool samples. While our analysis of microbial diversity did not reveal significant differences among BMI groups, a differential abundance analysis identified specific bacterial genera associated with BMI status. Notably, Lachnospira, Lactobacillus, and Roseburia were enriched in non-obese individuals, while Phascolarctobacterium showed greater abundance in obese subjects. Functional profiling utilizing PICRUSt2 and DESeq2 revealed fifteen KEGG pathways that exhibited significant alterations across varying BMI groups. Notably, several of these pathways were associated with short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing taxa, including Lactobacillales and Tannerellaceae. Additionally, covariance network analysis identified the microbial genera Alistipes and Bilophila as central participants in multiple metabolic pathways, particularly those associated with steroid biosynthesis and pathogenic Escherichia coli, which showed a notable enrichment in individuals with obesity. These findings suggest that BMI influences the composition and metabolic potential of the gut microbiome, highlighting the importance of functional profiling to better understand the mechanisms underlying obesity. Full article

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a widely researched probiotic bacterium with broad applications in health and biotechnology; however, its protoplast formation has not been extensively investigated. This study aimed to optimize conditions for L. acidophilus protoplast formation. Freeze-dried cells were suspended in 20 mM HEPES buffer (pH 7) supplemented with sucrose (1.0 M, 1.5 M, and 2.0 M) to induce hyperosmotic conditions, yielding a final cell density of 10⁸ cells/mL. The suspensions were treated with 125 µg/mL lysozyme and incubated at 37 °C for 30 min, 1 h, or 2 h. Prior to enzymatic treatment, the buffer, lysozyme, and cell suspensions were equilibrated at either 22 °C (room temperature) or 37 °C. Phase contrast microscopy was used to evaluate protoplast formation across all treatment combinations, and a three-way ANOVA was conducted to assess the effects of buffer molarity, incubation time, and temperature. Protoplasts are valuable tools for genetic manipulation, cell fusion, and cell wall studies, yet optimized protocols for their generation in L. acidophilus are lacking. The highest protoplast yield with minimal lysis was observed under 2.0 M sucrose conditions after 2 h of incubation, particularly when all components were equilibrated at 37 °C. Prolonged lysozyme exposure increased lysis, especially at lower buffer molarities. Elevated buffer molarity conferred a protective effect by maintaining cell integrity during enzymatic digestion. These findings highlight the importance of osmotic strength and thermal equilibration in optimizing protoplast formation and provide a reproducible framework for controlled enzymatic treatments in L. acidophilus. Full article

Esterases are ubiquitous enzymes found in all living organisms, including animals, plants, and microorganisms. They are involved in several biological processes, including the synthesis and breakdown of biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, lipids, and esters; phosphorus metabolism; detoxification of natural and artificial toxicants; polymer breakdown and synthesis; remodeling; and cell signaling. The present review focuses on the most industrially important esterases, namely lipases, phospholipases, cutinases, and polyethylene terephthalate hydrolases (PETases). Esterases are widely used in industrial and biotechnological applications. Notably, the biotechnological production of esters, including methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, vinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate, and ethyl lactate, as an alternative to chemical production, represents a multi-billion-dollar industry. Currently, most enzymes (>75%) used in industrial processes are hydrolytic. Among them, lipases and phospholipases are primarily used for lipid modification. Lipases are the third most commercialized enzymes after proteases and carboxyhydrases, and their production is steadily increasing, currently representing over one-fifth of the global enzyme market. Esterases, particularly lipases, phospholipases, and cutinases, are employed in cosmetics, food, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, paints, detergents, paper, and biodiesel, among other industries. Overall, biotechnological production using enzymes is gaining global traction owing to its environmental benefits, high yields, and efficiency, aligning with green economy principles. Full article

Streptomyces avermitilis is a soil actinobacterium and has a complex metabolism in its natural habitat. Because of this, the environmental fluctuations present in the seasons can activate or silence the biosynthetic pathways involved in its metabolism. The objective of this research was to analyze the morphological characteristics of the metabolism of Streptomyces avermitilis, isolated during the four seasons of the year and from four types of soil. Isolation was performed on oat agar ISP-3 and nystatin as an antifungal agent. The planting methods were rod drag and cross striations. The Petri dishes were incubated for 10 days at 30 °C in complete darkness. For 10 days, a colony count was performed to analyze the growth curves, as was an evaluation of the diffusible pigments in each Petri dish. The isolates presented the diffusible pigments white, yellow, orange, red and pink with a higher proportion in spring and summer compared to in autumn and winter. Under laboratory conditions, the isolates in summer presented the three phases of bacterial growth: lag (24 h), exponential (48–96 h) and stationary (120–168 h). A doubling time of 35.30–62.92 h was obtained. The morphological characteristics of the metabolism of Streptomyces avermitilis show differences according to the climatic conditions of each season of the year. Full article

Microorganisms are considered a potential source of biofertilizers for mobilizing nutrients from insoluble mineral potassium (K). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of liquid potassium-solubilizing bacteria, Cereibacter sphaeroides M-Sl-09, Rhodopseudomonas thermotolerans M-So-11, and Rhodopseudomonas palustris M-So-14 (LPS-PNSB), on soil K content, plant K uptake, growth, and yield of hybrid maize cultivated on alluvial soil in the dyke-protected area of An Phu, An Giang, Vietnam. Results showed that the application of LPS-PNSB significantly improved exchangeable soil K from 0.428 to 0.460–0.470 meq 100 g⁻¹, total plant K uptake from 181.5 to 205.8–259.4 kg ha⁻¹, and yield from 11.1 to 12.2–12.6 ton ha⁻¹, compared with the recommended 100% NPK fertilization. The addition of LPS-PNSB allowed a 100% reduction in K fertilizer compared with the recommended rate while still maintaining yield. Hybrid maize grain yield further increased when 100% recommended K was applied in combination with LPS-PNSB, surpassing the yield obtained with 100% K alone. Full article

Groundwater represents an essential resource for domestic and agricultural use, and its physicochemical and microbiological quality directly affects public health. This study assessed the bacteriological quality of untreated well water in the province of Fez-Meknes, specifically in the Aïn Tawjdate area, and evaluated seasonal variations in bacterial contamination. During the spring and summer of 2023, groundwater samples were collected from several wells. A total of 139 bacterial strains were isolated and identified using API biochemical galleries. The most frequently detected species were Aeromonas hydrophila gr.1 (6.47%), Aeromonas hydrophila gr.2 (9.35%), Enterobacter cloacae (7.19%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.07%), and Flavimonas oryzihabitans (6.47%), among others. Genetic variability among ten E. cloacae isolates was further explored using ERIC-PCR profiling; the strains differed by more than three fragments and showed less than 80% similarity; therefore, they were considered as distinct ERIC types. Statistical analyses (Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, Tukey HSD, one-way ANOVA, and two-sided Dunnett tests) revealed no significant differences in bacterial load between wells within the same season, with p-values > 0.05 according to ANOVA. However, a significant increase in contamination levels was observed in summer compared with spring. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with the consumption of untreated groundwater and underline the need for regular microbiological monitoring and improved water treatment practices in rural communities. Full article

Donkey milk is an underexplored biological niche with distinctive nutritional and microbiological properties, potentially harboring lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with technological or probiotic value. In this study, raw milk from the endangered Zamorano-Leonesa donkey breed was stored at 4 °C for 24 h to simulate realistic cold-chain conditions and favor the recovery of cold-tolerant microorganisms. Fourteen isolates were obtained, eight of which belonged to LAB or species with potential technological interest and were selected for functional evaluation. Phenotypic screening showed that most isolates tolerated acidic conditions (pH 2.5) and that four also resisted 0.3% bile salts. Acidification assays in pasteurized donkey milk revealed variable fermentation performance, with L. mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides B8 and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. tolerans B19 displaying the most favorable profiles. These two strains were selected for genome sequencing. Genomic analysis revealed genes associated with acid and bile resistance, adhesion, cold and environmental stress responses, and carbohydrate metabolism. Both genomes also encoded biosynthetic gene clusters linked to secondary metabolites, including β-lactones, lincosamides, and RiPP-like compounds. No acquired antimicrobial resistance genes were detected. To our knowledge, this is the first study combining isolation, phenotypic screening, and genome-based characterization of cold-tolerant LAB from Zamorano-Leonesa donkey milk. Our findings highlight this milk as a valuable reservoir of safe, cold-adapted microorganisms with promising applications in functional dairy products and food biotechnology. Full article

The gut microbiota, a dynamic and metabolically active microbial ecosystem, plays a pivotal role in regulating host digestion, immune homeostasis, metabolism, and hormone signaling. Among its specialized functions, the estrobolome (a collection of bacterial genes involved in estrogen metabolism) has emerged as a key regulator of systemic estrogen levels. Through microbial β-glucuronidase activity, estrogens undergo deconjugation and reabsorption, influencing the pathogenesis of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers. Disruption of the gut microbial balance, termed dysbiosis, can result from dietary changes, antibiotic use, environmental toxins, and psychosocial stress. Dysbiosis alters intestinal permeability, immune responses, and microbial metabolite profiles, contributing to chronic inflammation and endocrine disruption. Mechanistic links between gut microbiota and breast cancer include altered estrogen recirculation, immunomodulation, shifts in microbial metabolites (e.g., SCFAs, bile acids, tryptophan derivatives), and stress-mediated signaling through the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Accumulating preclinical and clinical evidence reveals distinct microbial signatures in breast cancer patients, supporting a causal or contributory role of gut dysbiosis in tumorigenesis. In parallel, biotics (including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics) offer promising avenues for modulating the microbiota. Certain strains of Lactobacillus (L.) and Bifidobacterium (B.) exhibit anti-inflammatory and estrogen-modulating effects, while dietary fibers and microbial metabolites may enhance epithelial integrity and immunocompetence. This review critically examines the interplay between gut microbiota and breast cancer, elucidates the mechanistic pathways involved, and evaluates the current evidence on microbiota-targeted interventions. We also highlight research gaps, safety considerations, and the potential for integrating microbiome modulation into personalized oncologic care. This review uniquely integrates mechanistic pathways with those supported by preclinical and clinical evidence on biotics, highlighting microbiome-based precision strategies for breast cancer prevention and management. Full article

We hypothesized that Tuber melanosporum colonization enhances growth and photosynthetic performance in Corylus avellana seedlings. Forty-eight seedlings were assessed for root colonization (stereomicroscopy, ITS sequencing) and photosynthetic traits (Li-6800F) under short-term disturbed and undisturbed rhizosphere conditions. Mycorrhizal colonization was found in 97.9% of seedlings (47/48). The mean colonization was 33.1% (SD = 16.1), 16.7% of seedlings showed more than 50% colonization per seedling, and 65.0% showed more than 30% colonization per seedling. Colonization declined with root depth and correlated with seedling length (r = 0.371, p = 0.01). In disturbed roots, longer root length predicted higher Gsw (r = 0.60), PhiCO₂ (r = 0.77), and PhiPSII (r = 0.70), while collar diameter negatively affected transpiration (r = −0.60). In undisturbed roots, collar-proximal colonization improved PhiPSII (r = 0.69, p = 0.02). Undisturbed seedlings showed ~2× higher CO₂ assimilation, stomatal conductance, quantum yield, and transpiration. These findings confirm that T. melanosporum enhances seedling physiology, especially under undisturbed conditions. Full article

Cheddar cheese ripening creates favorable conditions for desired microbial changes but also allows survival and outgrowth of spores like Clostridium tyrobutyricum and Bacillus licheniformis, leading to late-blowing defects. In the first phase of the study, NSLAB dynamics were evaluated in the presence of spores, where pilot-scale cheeses (110 L) were produced in four treatments: control, T1 (BL), T2 (CT), and T3 (BL+CT), each inoculated at 2.0 Log₁₀ CFU/mL with spores. Results showed that SLAB declined from 8.0 to 0.2 Log₁₀ CFU/g, while NSLAB increased from 2.0 to 8.5 Log₁₀ CFU/g by the third month and remained stable thereafter. Spore counts reached 2.94 ± 0.02 (T2) and 2.48 ± 0.03 (T3) Log₁₀ CFU/g, with visible spoilage signs appearing after five months, indicating that native NSLAB populations were inadequate to control late-blowing defects. In this study, the effect of soluble fiber (inulin) in stimulating NSLAB was evaluated by incorporating 1% inulin into Cheddar cheese across four treatments: T1 (C SF), T2 (BL SF), T3 (CT SF), and T4 (BL+CT SF). Inulin addition resulted in significantly higher NSLAB counts (>10.5 Log₁₀ CFU/g) and suppressed spore levels (<0.91 ± 0.03 Log₁₀ CFU/g), with no spoilage observed. Inulin addition selectively enhanced beneficial NSLAB, suppressing spore-forming bacteria and preventing late-blowing defects without affecting cheese quality. This provides a natural, sustainable strategy to enhance microbial safety during Cheddar cheese ripening. Full article

The genus Tilia (Malvaceae) comprises long-lived broadleaf trees of considerable ecological, cultural, and historical importance in temperate Europe and Asia. Among these, Tilia × europaea L. (common European linden) is a key native species in Central and Northern Europe, with individuals documented to live for several centuries. While the phyllosphere and soil-associated microbiomes of linden have been studied, the internal fungal communities inhabiting ancient trees remain poorly understood. In this study, the complete mycobiome of linden tree wood was analyzed. Wood-inhabiting fungi (the wood mycobiome) include endophytes, saprotrophs, and potential pathogens that can strongly influence host vitality and ecosystem processes. Advances in high-throughput amplicon sequencing (HTAS) now provide unprecedented opportunities to characterize these hidden communities. In this study, we investigated the trunk wood mycobiome of an ancient T. × europaea L. individual using a culture-independent HTAS approach. The results reveal a diverse fungal assemblage, including taxa like Arthinium or Phialemonium not previously reported from living linden wood, and highlight potential implications for tree health and longevity. This work provides a first baseline characterization of the internal mycobiome of the ancient Tilia tree and contributes to broader efforts to conserve its biological and cultural value. Full article

Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB), Apilactobacillus kunkeei strains AG8 and AG9 were selected in the current study for in-depth analysis. Cultivation on fructose yeast peptone (FYP) medium with varying fructose concentrations (1%, 10%, and 30%) revealed that higher fructose levels promoted acetate production over lactate, confirming a heterofermentative metabolic profile. Ethanol production was negligible, consistent with the absence of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity. Enzyme assays showed fructokinase activity doubled at 30% fructose, while acetate kinase activity increased and L-lactate dehydrogenase activity decreased. This shift in enzyme ratios from 1:1 at 1% fructose to 10:1 or 15:1 at higher concentrations explains the metabolic preference for acetate. Apb. kunkeei is an obligate FLAB, growing poorly on glucose unless supplemented with external electron acceptors like pyruvate or oxygen. It lacks ADH, but retains acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), enabling acetate production and additional ATP generation, enhancing biomass yield. The absence of the adhE gene contributes to NAD+/NADH imbalance and favors acetate production. Gene expression studies targeting fructose transport enzymes showed elevated expression of ABC transporters and carbohydrate metabolism genes in response to fructose. ADH expression remained low across sugar concentrations. Fructokinase gene expression was shown to be strain specific. Neither strain expressed the ABC transporter ATP-binding protein gene on glucose, nor the bacteriocin ABC transporter gene, correlating with the absence of antibacterial activity. These findings underscore the metabolic specialization of Apb. kunkeei, its reliance on fructose, and the role of ABC transporters in optimizing fermentation. The strain-specific gene expression and metabolic flexibility highlight its potential as a probiotic and feed additive in apiculture and biotechnology. Full article

The microbiome of howler monkeys is being studied as a potential indicator of forest health. This explorative research aimed to analyze the microbiome, antibiotic resistance genes, and virulence factors of the howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus) in two Colombian Andean forests. A total of six samples were collected from three monkeys in two different forests. The samples were processed and sequenced using 16S rRNA V3-V4 metabarcoding and shotgun metagenomics. No significant differences in microbial diversity were observed between locations. A total of 43 possible resistance genes were identified, 11 of which were associated with plasmids, while 66 virulence genes were detected. The bacterial genera with the highest number of resistance genes were Escherichia and Enterococcus, whereas Escherichia and Citrobacter exhibited the highest number of virulence factors. The bacteria were predominantly resistant to fluoroquinolones, macrolides and beta-lactams, while adherence was the dominant virulence mechanism. This exploratory study suggests that the locations provide similar habitats for howler monkeys and that the presence of resistance genes is primarily due to intrinsic bacterial resistance mechanisms and natural resistance in wild populations despite the environmental presence of bacterial genera with resistance genes and virulence factors. However, acquisition through interaction with domestic animals was not evaluated. Full article

Microorganisms such as methanogenic archaea play a key role in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) by breaking down organic matter and pollutants and producing methane, a potential renewable energy source. However, sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) compete with archaea for the same substrates under anaerobic conditions, lowering methane production and generating harmful hydrogen sulphide (H₂S). Inhibiting SRB is therefore crucial to enhance methane yield and reduce toxic by-products. By means of manual screening of public databases (KEGG, BRENDA, PDB, PubChem) 12 potential inhibitors of SRB were found. After computational ecotoxicological assessment, four candidates were selected, and one of them experimentally increased methane production, demonstrating that SRB inhibition favours the anaerobic digestion of sludges. In order to further explore new candidates, Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) models were developed showing reliable predictive performance. These models enabled the virtual screening of COCONUT, a natural product database, identifying 73 potential SRB inhibitors. After an ecotoxicological assessment, five commercially available compounds remained. The identified candidates may reduce competition between SRB and methanogenic archaea, leading to higher methane production and supporting WWTPs in generating their own biogas. This would contribute to a circular economy and help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Full article

Bioleaching represents a sustainable and economically viable method for recovering metals from sulfide ores. This study evaluates the bioleaching potential of eight native mesophilic strains isolated from chalcopyrite ore sourced from the Toquepala mine in Peru. The strains were molecularly and phylogenetically identified as Leptospirillum ferriphilum based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Bioleaching process was evaluated over 648 h in triplicate flask assays at 30 °C and 120 rpm. All strains demonstrated leaching activity, achieving an average copper recovery above 30%. Notably, strains M1D and M3E demonstrated superior performance, with iron oxidation reaching approximately 50%, copper recoveries of 34.78% and 32.61%, respectively, and peak cell counts of up to 2.45 × 10⁹ cells/mL. Specific growth rates were determined as 0.03469 h⁻¹ for M1D and 0.03651 h⁻¹ for M3E. A positive correlation was observed among microbial growth, iron oxidation, and copper recovery. These results confirm the potential of native mesophilic L. ferriphilum strains as efficient agents for chalcopyrite bioleaching at moderate temperatures, supporting their application in biotechnological metal recovery processes. Full article

This study explored the potential of bacterial consortia to remediate real diesel-contaminated agricultural soils. Two consortia were tested: a native consortium isolated from contaminated soil and an exogenous consortium derived from vermicompost. Bacterial communities (consortia and soils) were characterized through high-throughput sequencing. Within 30 days, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were removed most efficiently by bioaugmentation with the native consortium (53.32%), followed by the exogenous vermicompost consortium (47.14%) and the indigenous microbiota (42.52%). Gas chromatography confirmed the reduction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with 2–5 rings; however, terphenyl, chrysene, and pyrene persisted. The highest TPH biodegradation rate was observed in the treatment inoculated with the native consortium (208.5 mg/kg per day), followed by the treatment with indigenous microbiota (181.8 mg/kg per day) and the exogenous consortium (161.9 mg/kg per day). Furthermore, hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial populations increased significantly during the first week but declined after day 21, showing a negative correlation with TPH concentrations across all treatments, indicating that the highest bacterial activity and degradation occurred during the first 14 days. Taxonomic analysis identified Actinobacteria as the most abundant phylum in the initial soil, whereas Proteobacteria dominated both the consortia and the bioremediated soils. Significant differences in community structure and composition were observed between the consortia according to their origin, influencing removal efficiency. Dominant genera shifted from Nocardioides and Streptomyces in untreated soil to Pseudomonas, Sphingobium, and Pseudoxanthomonas following biological treatments, while Nocardia, Rhodococcus, and Bacillus remained nearly constant. These findings underscore the effectiveness of adapted bacterial consortia in restoring real diesel-contaminated agricultural soils and highlight potential microbial succession patterns associated with biodegradation and soil ecological recovery. Full article