The bacteria Pedosphaera and Candidatus Solibacter are more common in soils with higher levels of bioavailable mercury.

Scientific Claim

Pedosphaera and Candidatus Solibacter bacterial genera are positively associated with bioavailable mercury levels in contaminated soils.

Original Statement

“At the genus level, Burkholderia showed a strong correlation with THg. At the same time, Candidatus Solibacter was strongly affected by bioavailable Hg.”

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

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The claim describes observed statistical associations without implying causation. 'Positively associated' appropriately describes the correlation found in CCA analysis.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

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

Cannot Determine

2025 Nov 25

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

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

Similar Assertions

The amount of mercury that can actually be taken up by organisms doesn't always match the total mercury in the soil, showing that the chemical form of mercury matters more than just how much is present.

83%

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.

78%

Soils with long-term mercury contamination may also have more bacteria that can resist antibiotics, because the same mechanisms that help with mercury resistance might also help with antibiotic resistance.

78%

The bacteria Burkholderia and Pseudomonas are more common in soils with higher levels of total mercury and methylmercury.

78%

Soils with mercury contamination have many genes that help microbes resist antibiotics and toxic substances, regardless of how much mercury is present or the time of year.

73%