Complementary approaches to characterize rhizospheric microbial diversity of Pistacia lentiscus in a highly contaminated mine tailing dump

Among phytoremediation strategies, phytostabilization takes place at the root-substrate interface, where excluder-type metallophytes and their root-associated microorganisms reduce metal mobility and bioavailability. The effectiveness of this process largely depends on the structure and function of the rhizospheric microbiome. To better understand the factors influencing phytostabilization under real field conditions, a multifactorial approach is essential. In this study, we conducted an integrative analysis of the microbial diversity and enzymatic activity in the rhizosphere of Pistacia lentiscus, an excluder-type metallophyte naturally growing in a highly contaminated (Zn, Pb and Cd) mine tailing dump and in surrounding area. Our findings provide insights into the ecological role of root-associated microbiomes in metal-contaminated environments and support their relevance for site-specific remediation strategies.