Chromium contamination accentuates changes in the microbiome and heavy metal resistome of a tropical agricultural soil
Abstract
Section titled “Abstract”Paper summary generated by OpenAI: This study investigates the impact of hexavalent chromium (Cr) contamination on the microbiome and heavy metal resistome of tropical agricultural soil over a six-week period using field-moist microcosms. The results indicate significant alterations in soil physicochemistry, including reduced organic matter and macronutrient concentrations in Cr-contaminated soil compared to untreated controls. Illumina shotgun sequencing revealed a shift in microbial community composition, with increased dominance of Proteobacteria in contaminated samples, and the exclusive presence of specific heavy metal resistance genes related to chromium and cadmium in the contaminated soil. These findings highlight the detrimental effects of Cr contamination on soil microbiota and the emergence of heavy metal resistances, emphasizing the need for further research on soil health in contaminated environments.