Microbes in mercury-contaminated soil have more genes related to stress response, moving substances across cell membranes, and phosphate metabolism compared to less contaminated soils.

Scientific Claim

Mercury-contaminated soils show enrichment of stress-response genes, membrane transporters, and phosphate metabolism pathways in microbial communities.

Source Excerpt

“Functional gene profiling showed enrichment of stress-response genes, membrane transporters, and phosphate metabolism pathways in contaminated 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 used shotgun metagenomics to identify functional gene abundances and found consistent enrichment of these specific pathways in contaminated soils across sites.

Source Study

A survey of bacterial and fungal community structure and functions in two long-term metalliferous soil habitats

Score: 8

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-25944-y

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