Metagenomic Characterization of Root Fungal Microbiota Resistant to Heavy Metal Stress in Pinus brutia

Environmental pollution, driven by expanding industrial activities, is one of the most pressing issues today. Many fungi possess resistance mechanisms against heavy metals (HM), making them a sustainable approach for remediation processes. This study focuses on assessing HM concentrations in root samples taken from Pinus brutia in the Samsun Organized Industrial Zone (OIZ), a region heavily affected by environmental pollutants, and a nearby forested area (Adalar), while also examining the fungal diversity in the root endosphere. The fungal microbiota of the samples was determined using next-generation sequencing technology. Genera such as Aspergillus, Alternaria, Fusarium, Cladosporium, Trichoderma, Thelebolus, Plectosphaerella, Halokirschsteiniothelia, Exophiala, and Xenopolyscytalum were detected in the roots of P. brutia plants grown in the OIZ area, which is contaminated with HMs. The results indicate that higher levels of HM contamination may lead to changes in fungal diversity and an increase in the ratios of resistant taxa. This study aims to contribute to bioremediation strategies for HMs by elucidating the relationships between environmental pollutants and fungal microbiota. This research represents the first metagenomic analysis conducted in Samsun, Türkiye, to determine the impact of HMs on root fungal microbiota.