Uncovering Heavy Metal-Resistant Microbial Communities in Akhtala Tailing (Armenia)

This study investigates the microbial communities inhabiting the heavy metal-contaminated environment of the Akhtala tailing in Armenia. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we analyzed the bacterial diversity at two distinct sampling points within the tailing. In addition, culturable bacteria were isolated and taxonomically identified based on 16S rDNA sequencing. The findings provide insights into the composition and potential metal resistance of microbial populations adapted to extreme environmental stress, offering a basis for future biotechnological and bioremediation applications.