HARKingia

Harkingia is a genus of bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae, first described in 2015. The genus includes two species, Harkingia loihiensis and Harkingia taiwanensis, both of which are Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, and rod-shaped. These bacteria are known for their ability to degrade various organic compounds, including aromatic compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Harkingia species have been isolated from diverse environments, such as soil, sediment, and water, and have been studied for their potential applications in bioremediation and biodegradation processes. The genus is named after the Harking River in New Zealand, where the type strain of H. loihiensis was first isolated. The taxonomy of Harkingia is supported by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and phenotypic characteristics. Further research is needed to fully understand the ecological roles and potential applications of Harkingia species.