Back to Study: A survey of bacterial and fungal community structu...
descriptive
negative effect
In soils with more mercury, there are fewer types of bacteria, but the variety of fungi stays about the same and is greatest in soils with the least mercury.
Scientific Claim
Bacterial alpha diversity decreases with increasing mercury contamination levels in soils, while fungal alpha diversity remains stable and is highest in low-contamination soils.
Source Excerpt
“Bacterial α-diversity declined with increasing Hg levels, while fungal diversity remained stable and highest in low-contamination soils.”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting Studies
A survey of bacterial and fungal community structure and functions in two long-term metalliferous soil habitats
Cannot Determine
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Evidence Assessment
Supported
The study measured bacterial and fungal diversity across mercury contamination levels and found a clear inverse relationship for bacteria but stability for fungi. This was observed in both SRS and ORR sites using alpha diversity metrics.