Microbiome of B. stephanieae under the influence of nickel and cobalt

The rapid global spread of electromobility has increased the demand for nickel and cobalt, the main components of lithium-ion batteries. As a result, mining activities are intensifying, but the ecological impact on marine ecosystems remains poorly understood. This study is the first to investigate the effects of nickel and cobalt on the composition of the microbiome of the photosymbiotic sea slug Berghia stephanieae. The analysis of the microbiome at three concentrations (1, 3 and 17 mg/L) revealed significant changes in the composition and function of the bacterial communities depending on concentration and metal.