Abstract
Orchids represent a unique group of plants that are well adapted to extreme conditions. In our study, we aimed to determine if different soil contamination and pH significantly change fungal and bacterial composition. We identified bacterial and fungal communities from the roots and the surrounding soil of the family Orchidaceae growing on different mining sites in Slovakia. These communities were detected from the samples of Cephalanthera longifolia and Epipactis pontica from Fe deposit Sirk, E. atrorubens from Ni-Co deposit Dobšiná and Pb-Zn deposit Jasenie and Platanthera bifolia by 16S rRNA gene and ITS next-generation sequencing method. A total of 171 species of fungi and 30 species of bacteria were detected from five samples of orchids. In summary, slight differences in pH of the initial soils do not significantly affect the presence of fungi and bacteria and thus the presence of the studied orchids in these localities. Similarly, the toxic elements in the studied localities, do not affect the occurrence of fungi, bacteria, and orchids. Moreover, Cortinarius saturatus, as a dominant fungus, and Candidatus Udaeobacter as a dominant bacterium were present in all soil samples and some root samples. Finally, many of these fungal and bacterial communities have the potential to be used in the bioremediation of the mining areas.
Highlights
Orchids belonging to the family Orchidaceae are well known for their rarity and presence of mycorrhizal associations [1,2]
The aim of this paper is to identify the composition of bacterial and fungal communities present in the roots and the surrounding soil of the orchids growing on heavy metal contaminated areas of mining heaps
Orchidaceae is a family of rare plants and their presence in metal-rich biotopes has ecological and conservation importance [38]
Summary
Orchids belonging to the family Orchidaceae are well known for their rarity and presence of mycorrhizal associations [1,2]. This specialization contributes to the diversity and rarity of orchid species [3,4]. They grow in specific habitats such as mining dumps. Mine heaps create an environment with specific ecological conditions for plant adaptation. They are characterized by the lack of soil as well as nutrients and moisture, and the absence of a humus layer [5]
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