Resemblance in microbial diversity and capability traits due to common environmental stressors in Arctic mine sites

The objective of the present study was to i) evaluate the diversity of microorganisms and environmental stressors from mining-impacted sites in a second Arctic location, Svalbard, ii) isolate potentially Sb(V)-respiring microorganisms, and iii), compare these microbial communities and isolates with from those from Finland to assess the possible extent of an ecological selection across similar sites in different geographical locations. Our findings emphasize the importance of studying different microbial communities exposed to multiple environmental stressors, which provide new opportunities to alleviate the impact of metal(loid) contamination.