Structure of microbial communities in amended and unamended acid-generating mine wastes along gradients of soil amelioration and revegetation

摘要: Abstract Understanding the structure of microbial communities in acidic, metal contaminated tailings and waste rock cool, continental northern temperate climates is important for identifying their potential use phytostabilization bioremediation programs. In this study, community compositions across two large mine sites Sudbury basin, Ontario Canada were analyzed along gradients barren-to-vegetated rock. Microbial less diverse, more homogenous, mainly chemolithoautotrophic barren sites, transitioning to diverse organoheterotrophs, nitrogen-fixing/plant-growth promoting bacteria, ectomycorrhizal fungi vegetated areas. Co-occurrence analyses demonstrated higher levels association among groups tailings, which related extreme environmental chemical conditions restricted anabolic nutrient availability substrates. We also show that vegetation plant-derived organic matter are associated with shifts observed towards soil-like communities. These changes can improve soil fertility through increased rates heterotrophic decomposition matter, sequentially further aid establishment vegetation. findings will help develop approaches boreal climates.