The relationship between successional vascular plant assemblages and associated microbial communities on coal mine spoil heaps

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between the vascular plant species and the associated soil microbial properties at various stages of vegetation development on unclaimed hard coal mine spoil heaps in Upper Silesia (south Poland). The spontaneous vegetation, soil chemistry as well as the activity and structure of microbial communities were recorded on this specific habitat. The colliery heaps were divided into four age classes and the plant species composition and cover abundance were recorded on established plots (2 m × 2 m). The soil microbial activity under the vegetation patches was assessed using fluorescein diacetate hydrolytic activity (FDHA) and the soil microbial biomass and community composition were determined by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) biomarkers. Total microbial biomass in soils from the older vegetation plots was significantly higher than those in soils from the younger plots. In all studied samples, microbial communities consisted primarily of bacteria with the dominance of Gram negative bacteria over Gram positive and aerobic microorganisms were more dominant than anaerobic ones. Statistical analysis revealed a correlation between the type of vegetation and microbial community structure

Rhizosphere of metallophytes and its role in bioremediation of heavy metals

Rośliny zdolne do wzrostu w obecności podwyższonych stężeń metali ciężkich nazywane są metalofitami, a niektóre z nich są zdolne do pobierania i akumulacji jonów metali. Ich ryzosfera stanowi unikalne środowisko, będące rezerwuarem wyspecjalizowanych bakterii metaloopornych. Mikroorganizmy te mogą wpływać na biodostępność jonów metali ciężkich oraz na wzrost i akumulację metali ciężkich przez metalofity. Dlatego rola ryzosfery i procesy w niej zachodzące, w kontekście fitoekstrakcji metali ciężkich, są bardzo ważne.Plants that occur on heavy metal contaminated soils are called metallophytes. Some of them, known as hyperaccumulators, are able to accumulate heavy metal ions in their shoots and leaves. Rhizosphere of metallophytes encompasses an exceptional environment that involves numerous heavy metal resistant bacteria. Those rhizosphere microorganisms can alter heavy metal bioavailability, influencing their uptake and accumulation by plants. Due to this fact, rhizosphere processes that involve plant-microbe-heavy metal interactions are important for heavy metal phytoextration