Efficient bioconversion of compactin to pravastatin by the quinoline-degrading microorganism Pseudonocardia carboxydivorans isolated from petroleum-contaminated soil

► To isolate and identify quinoline-degrading microorganism which could bioconvert compactin to pravastatin. ► Microorganisms were isolated from petroleum contaminated soil. ► Strain with highest bioconverted efficiency was identified as Pseudonocardia carboxydivorans. ► Compactin utilization rate of the strain was almost 100%. ► Pravastatin conversion rate of the strain was up to 68%.