Summary
This study investigates how industrial metal(loid) contamination in urban soils alters soil microbial community structure and function compared to uncontaminated forest soil. Findings reveal that metal(loid) pollution significantly reduces microbial diversity at finer taxonomic levels, depletes archaeal communities, and induces cytotoxic and genotoxic stress on soil microorganisms, with clear correlations between specific contaminants and shifts in bacterial taxa.
UK applicability
The study's findings on metal(loid) contamination impacts on soil health are relevant to UK urban soils management, particularly in post-industrial areas and brownfield regeneration contexts. However, direct applicability requires assessment of UK-specific contamination profiles and soil types, which may differ from the Hungarian urban sites studied.
Key measures
Metal(loid) concentrations (Zn, Cr, Pb, Sn, Cu, Mn); soil physicochemical parameters (pH, organic matter, nitrate content); bacterial and archaeal community composition (16S rRNA sequencing); operational taxonomic units (OTU) and diversity indices; ecotoxicity and genotoxicity assays
Outcomes reported
The study examined how twelve metal(loid) contaminants affected soil microbial diversity, community structure, and ecotoxicological impacts in urban soils compared to unpolluted forest soil. Urban soils showed high contamination levels, significant shifts in bacterial community composition, reduced archaeal populations, and cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on soil microorganisms.
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