As global eco-environmental issues have aroused increasing concern, ecological restoration has become a key research topic. As an emerging technology for ecological restoration, aggregate spray-seeding offers significant advantages in vegetation restoration. [Objective] To reveal the relationship between plant community assembly and soil microbial communities during the aggregate spray-seeding restoration process. [Methods] A comprehensive investigation was conducted at plots of various seeding batches on the slopes of Changqin Island in Zhuhai City, focusing on the internal relationships of the structures of pioneer plant communities with soil nutrient content and characteristics of soil fungal and bacterial communities. [Results] The soil fungal community in the aggregate spray-seeding restoration area of Changqin Island was mainly composed of 9 phyla, among which Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were dominant. The soil bacterial community was dominated by Pseudomonadota, Acidobacteriota, and Bacteroidota. The soil fungi of plant pathogens, wood saprotrophs, and endophytes exhibited high abundance, while a large proportion of bacteria were involved in nitrogen cycling. Using the support vector machine method, we identified 24 soil microbial and nutrient indicators related to differences across aggregate spray-seeding batches. The cluster analysis classified the main restoration plants into two groups and the 24 soil-microbial and nutrient indicators into four categories. The inter-group correlation analysis showed significant associations of plant combinations with soil microbial and nutrient indicators. [Conclusion] Substantial differences in community structure and diversity are observed among different aggregate spray-seeding batches. Plant community assembly significantly influences the structures and functions of soil microbial communities. The findings of this study provide essential theoretical support for ecological restoration practices, contributing to the optimization of restoration strategies and enhancing ecosystem stability and sustainability.

The rising level of atmospheric nitrous oxide (N₂O) has garnered the attention of researchers to microorganism-mediated N₂O synthesis in recent years. According to the recent studies, one of the main sources of N₂O in the world is the nitrification process carried out by aerobic aerobic ammonia oxidizing microorganisms (AOMs). We summarized the taxa of AOMs, the ecological distribution of AOMs, the environmental factors influencing the distribution, and the hotspots, pathways, and influencing factors of AOM-mediated N₂O production. Finally, we prospected the future research directions in this field. This review improves our understanding of AOMs and their mechanisms of N₂O production.

Artemisia desertorum, a dominant xerophyte in the Tengger Desert, possesses exceptional drought resistance, salt tolerance, and sand-fixing capabilities. [Objective] To investigate the diversity of soil microbial communities in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere of A. desertorum in the Shapotou Nature Reserve located at the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert, Ningxia, and the potential interactions between the dominant microbial genera and plants, thus laying a theoretical foundation for ecological restoration in deserts. [Methods] Soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere of A. desertorum, in the plantation cultivated for 42 years of sand fixation, and the sand was collected as the control. Physicochemical properties of each soil sample were measured, and fungal and bacterial communities were analyzed via high-throughput sequencing. [Results] Total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), and available potassium (AK) in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil samples were significantly higher than in shifting sands those in the control (P<0.05). Rhizosphere soil samples also had significantly higher levels of available rhizosphere soils also had significantly higher levels of available phosphorus (AP), AK, soil organic matter (OM), and electrical conductivity (EC) than non-rhizosphere soil samples (P<0.05). Rhizosphere soil samples had slightly higher TN, total phosphorus (TP), AN, and pH than non-rhizosphere soil samples, without significant differences. Bacterial diversity and abundance were higher in non-rhizosphere soil samples, while fungal diversity and abundance were greater in rhizosphere soil samples. Both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil samples had more unique microbial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) than the control. Rhizosphere soil samples contained more fungal OTUs but fewer bacterial OTUs than non-rhizosphere soil samples. Dominant fungal phyla included Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, unclassified fungal phyla, and Rozellomycota, with major fungal genera comprising Candida, Paraphoma, Alternaria, unclassified fungal genera, and Penicillium. Dominant bacterial phyla included Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria, with key bacterial genera being Arthrobacter, Nocardioides, Streptomyces, Agromyces, and Sphingomonas. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) identified 212 bacterial taxa and 25 fungal taxa significantly distinguishing rhizosphere soil samples from non-rhizosphere soil samples, with Ascomycota and Proteobacteria being the key taxa. Redundancy analysis showed that OM was the main factor affecting the structure of soil microbial community, positively correlating with Basidiomycota, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and unclassified fungal phyla, while negatively correlating with Ascomycota, Rozellomycota, Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidota. [Conclusion] The cultivation of A. desertorum significantly increased the nutrient levels and fungal diversity and abundance in the rhizosphere soil at the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert, contributing to soil ecosystem stability. This study offers theoretical insights into regional ecological restoration and provides a scientific basis for restoration scheme optimization and sustainable management of A. desertorum ecosystems.

[Objective] To study the mechanisms of mutual promotion between chemolithoauto-trophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and chemoheterotrophic bacteria under co-culture based on carbon metabolism. [Methods] Ion chromatography was employed to determine the concentrations of S₂O₃^2‒ (thiosulfate) and SO₄^2‒ (sulfate). Bacterial growth dynamics were monitored by the dilution plate method. Extracellular carbon characteristics were analyzed via total organic carbon analyzer measurement and LC-MS. Cellular morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The relative mRNA levels of related genes were quantified by RT-qPCR. [Results] During the growth process, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria continuously fixed inorganic carbon and secreted organics, providing a stable carbon source for the growth of heterotrophic bacterium. In return, heterotrophic bacteria significantly enhanced the sulfur-oxidizing and carbon-fixing capabilities of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. This was evidenced by the significantly up-regulated expression of the enzyme gene soxB involved in sulfur oxidation and the RubisCO gene cbbL involved in carbon fixation. Additionally, the production of extracellular polymeric substances was induced, which enhanced the biofilm formation. [Conclusion] This study elucidated the interaction mechanisms between sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and heterotrophic bacteria, particularly the significant enhancement of the carbon-fixing capability of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. The findings provide a new perspective for the enrichment culture of chemolithoautotrophic bacteria and for understanding the carbon fixation mechanisms of autotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in microbial communities. Additionally, this study offers theoretical support for the low-carbon and efficient treatment of wastewater.

Microplastics are novel pollutants that are widespread in the oceans, soil, and atmosphere, affecting the process of pollutant transport and transformation through physical, chemical or biological interactions. The heavy metal pollution caused by mining activities in the soil and water environment around antimony mining regions is increasing year by year. However, the effect of microplastics on the biogeochemical transformation of heavy metal contaminants in the mining regions has been rarely reported. [Objective] To understand the effects of microplastic type, size and concentration on microbially mediated antimony release from stibnite. [Methods] We took Pseudomonas sp. J-1 with strong antimony tolerance and promoting antimony release and widely used polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene as the objects of the study. The changes in pH, redox potential (ORP), microbial biomass, and antimony concentration were analyzed. Furthermore, microplastic adsorption of antimony under different pH values was studied, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were employed to reveal the mechanism by which microplastics affected the biogeochemical cycle of antimony. [Results] Polypropylene with a particle size of 13 μm and a high concentration had the strongest inhibitory effect on stibnite dissolution with the participation of Pseudomonas sp. J-1. Microplastics inhibited the growth of the bacterial colony, which led to weakened promoting effect on the release of antimony, and the growth of Pseudomonas sp. J-1 was even completely inhibited by the high concentration of microplastics. Microplastics were able to adsorb antimony, while the adsorption capacity was independent of solution pH. [Conclusion] The type, particle size, and concentration of microplastics are the key factors affecting the stibnite dissolution mediated by Pseudomonas sp. J-1 and they indirectly affect stibnite dissolution mainly by influencing microbial growth.

[Objective] To investigate the bio-weathering effects and mechanisms of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans on granite under acidic conditions (pH 2.0). [Methods] A 36-day immersion experiment was conducted, comparing the microbial group, acid solution group (pH 2.0, H₂SO₄), and pure culture medium (control) group. Physicochemical parameters [pH, redox potential (Eh), and electrical conductivity (EC)] of the soultion, surface chromaticity (CIE-Lab) of granite, and mineral dissolution characteristics were analyzed. [Results] The microbial group significantly accelerated granite weathering, forming a distinct weathered layer on the surface after 9 days. During the initial phase (0‒3 days), plagioclase dissolution caused a pH increase followed by stabilization. Fe³⁺ accumulation-dominated Eh and EC were regulated by both the initial ion background and weathering products. After bio-weathering, the granite exhibited a decrease of 11.6 in L* (reduced brightness), an increase of 6.8 in a* value (enhanced reddish-brown tone), and an increase of 9.6 in b* value (increased bluish tone). Surface reddish-brown areas were directly correlated with jarosite deposition. [Conclusion] Under acidic conditions, A. ferrooxidans accelerate granite weathering via Fe³⁺-mediated redox reactions. The chromaticity parameters (ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb*) and morphological characteristics serve as indicators for rapidly assessing weathering intensity. These findings provide a novel basis for evaluating weathering risks caused by acid mine wastewater in surrounding rocks and guiding ecological remediation.

[Objective] This study systematically reviews the research trends in microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) over the past 25 years. Through bibliometric analysis, we aim to elucidate the developmental trajectory, research hotspots, and academic impact distribution of MICP, offering data-driven insights for researchers and proposing strategic priorities for future studies. [Methods] A comprehensive dataset of 1 947 publications was extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection (1999-2024). Bibliometric analysis and CiteSpace visualization tools were employed to quantify publication volume, authorship patterns, country/institutional contributions, and keywords dynamics. Time-series analysis and network mapping were integrated to decode the evolutionary pathways and interdisciplinary frontiers of the field. [Results] Annual MICP publications exhibit sustained growth, with China emerging as the dominant contributor, accounting for 47.71% of global output. Leading institutions such as Nanyang Technological University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Southeast University, and Chongqing University demonstrate strong academic influence through high publication output and citation frequency. The research hotspots are primarily concentrated in soil improvement, self-healing concrete, and bioremediation. Keywords clustering analysis reveals emerging interdisciplinary frontiers at the intersection of environmental geotechnics and biomaterials applications. [Conclusion] MICP research has entered a phase of rapid multidisciplinary integration, with China leading global advancements. Future efforts should prioritize fundamental studies on bio-mineral interaction mechanisms, accelerate MICP applications in environmental remediation and smart materials, and develop green, sustainable processes to enhance its role in carbon neutrality and ecological engineering.

[Objective] To further investigate the role of arsL and arsM genes in the synthesis of arsinothricin (AST) and the effects of AST on the community structure of soil bacteria. [Methods] Using Burkholderia oklahomensis NCTC 13388 as the research object, we obtained its BoarsL and BoarsM genes via PCR amplification, constructed recombinant plasmids pET21b-BoarsL and pET28a-BoarsM, and transformed them into the competent cells of Escherichia coli expression strain Rosetta(DE3). In addition, we employed high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the effects of different concentrations of AST treatment on the composition and diversity of soil bacterial communities. [Results] Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) detected target proteins with relative molecular weights of 47.79 kDa and 41.50 kDa in recombinant strains, indicating successful expression of BoArsL and BoArsM. Cells expressing only the BoarsL gene produced AST-OH and a small amount of AST, while cells expressing only the BoarsM gene produced only a small amount of dimethylarsinic acid. Additionally, statistical analysis indicated that AST treatment at different concentrations had a significant impact on the alpha diversity of soil bacterial communities (P<0.05), as evidenced by significant differences in both the Chao1 and Shannon indices. The low-concentration treatment group had higher soil bacteria diversity and richness than the control group, whereas the high-concentration treatment caused statistically significant declines in both diversity and species richness. Further analysis revealed that bacterial community composition at the genus level also exhibited significant differences among the AST treatment groups of different concentrations (P<0.05), and high concentrations of AST significantly enriched bacteria of the genus Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia but significantly inhibited bacteria of the genera Clostridium_sensu_stricto and Sedimentibacter. [Conclusion] The BoarsL gene of B. oklahomensis NCTC 13388 is essential for the biosynthesis of AST. High concentrations of AST significantly affect the structure of soil bacterial communities.

[Objective] To study the effects of drainage on the soil properties and microbial community characteristics in coastal saline-alkali land. [Methods] Soil samples were collected before and after drainage for decreasing salt from the coastal saline-alkali land in Nantong, Jiangsu. The soil pH, nutrient elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), enzyme activity, and microbial community structure were analyzed by soil physical and chemical property characterization and high-throughput sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to study the correlations between microbial community structure characteristics and soil physical and chemical properties and the possible anaerobic metabolic process. [Results] Drainage for decreasing salt significantly reduced the soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC), while causing the losses of nutrients in the soil to a certain extent. After drainage, the activities of sucrase and peroxidase and the richness and diversity of fungi in the soil increased to a certain extent, while the richness and diversity of bacteria and archaea decreased. Principal component analysis showed that microbial community structure had significantly positive correlations with soil EC and potassium content, while it had significantly negative correlations with catalase and sucrase activities in the soil. Redundancy analysis and functional prediction showed that fungi and archaea were significantly correlated with EC, while archaea may change the community structure by adapting to salinity. [Conclusion] Drainage for decreasing salt reduced the salinity and pH in the soil, which affected the soil properties and microbial community structure.

Biodegradable mulch films (BDMs), distinguished by their extensive application potential and ecological friendliness, are progressively supplanting traditional mulch film and considered as a highly promising approach to address “white pollution”. China has witnessed notable advancements in the production technology of BDMs in recent years, establishing a strong foundation for their large-scale manufacturing and widespread application. Despite the great prospects of BDMs, the complexity and controllability of their degradation process, alongside their potential impacts on the eco-environment, remain highly concerned. This paper comprehensively analyzes five promising polyester and polycarbonate-based BDMs and delves into the primary degrading microorganisms and their degradation mechanisms. Furthermore, this paper summarizes the current research regarding the impacts of BDMs on the soil environment. This review aims to lay a theoretical foundation for discovering efficient microbial degraders, pinpointing key rate-limiting steps in degradation, and enhancing long-term ecological effect studies, thus providing new perspectives and solutions for the large-scale and safe utilization of BDMs.