Bacteria community from port areas sediments contaminated with heavy metals. marine sediment metagenome

Port activities are frequently associated with pollution and the spreading of different contaminants in environment compartments. One of the most important is the increase of heavy metals concentration. Metal pollution can lead to severe changes in community structure and composition, and select groups that can develop resistant mechanisms. Thus, the objective of the present study was to analyze how heavy metals influence the bacterial community in Brazilian port areas and in the selection of resistant strains comparing to a pristine area.