16S rRNA sequencing of montmorillonite enhanced cyanobacterial biocrusts under Pb stress

This project contains 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing data generated to investigate microbial community dynamics in montmorillonite enhanced artificial cyanobacterial biocrusts established on lead contaminated sand. The study aims to elucidate how clay amendment influences microbial community assembly, extracellular polymeric substance associated metal sequestration, and early soil development processes under Pb stress. Sequencing data were used to characterize shifts in bacterial and archaeal taxa associated with lead immobilization and biocrust driven pedogenic initiation.