Long-Read Metagenomics Profiling for Identification of Key Microorganisms Affected by Heavy Metals at Technogenic Zones
Isgandarov I. Abilda Z. Kanat R. Daurov D. Sapakhova Z. Daurova A. Zhambakin K. Volkov D. Begaly A. Shamekova M.
January 2026Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Microorganisms
2026#14Issue 1
Heavy metal pollution poses a serious threat to soil ecosystems worldwide, as long-term exposure can alter microbial community functioning and reduce overall ecosystem resilience. This study investigated the impact of heavy metal contamination in technogenic industrial areas of the East Kazakhstan Region on soil microbial communities. Soil samples were collected for chemical and metagenomic analyses. Concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Using long-read whole-metagenome nanopore sequencing, we conducted strain-level profiling of soils with different levels of metal contamination. This approach provided high-resolution taxonomic data, enabling detailed characterization of microbial community structure. Heavy metal exposure did not significantly reduce microbial diversity or richness but influences the quality of community composition. Metal-resistant taxa dominated contaminated soils. Overall, the results highlight the value of long-read sequencing for resolving strain-level responses to environmental contamination.
heavy metal contamination , long-read sequencing , metagenomics , soil microbial community , whole metagenome sequencing
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Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Tanir Research Laboratory, 75B Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty, 050060, Kazakhstan
Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology
Tanir Research Laboratory
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Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026