Diversity of bacteria, archaea, and fungi in selenium-contaminated reclaimed mine soils

Worldwide, mining and other industrial activities have resulted in selenium (Se)-enriched surface soils, which pose risks to human and environmental health. Although not well studied, microbial activity including community interactions can alter Se bioavailability and distribution, even in oxic environments. We profiled bacterial and fungal communities (diversity and taxonomy) across two reclaimed mine sites of different ages, with variable Se concentrations. We found that bacterial and fungal diversity declines with increasing Se concentrations, though the high Se reclaimed mine soils still support highly diverse bacterial and fungal communities.