Influence of the Soil Microbiome on the Availability of Metals

The most varied ecosystem on Earth has been the subject of study for soil scientists and microbiologists for more than three centuries. Using a wide range of methods, they have characterized the composition, structure, and function of the soil microbial community. However, model systems and isolated organisms continue to be the main sources of our knowledge regarding the soil microbiome and the reciprocal dynamics with metal speciation and bioavailability. On the other hand, metals are vital to life processes and are widely present in agriculture and the environment. This chapter's goal is to highlight the current gaps in metal-microbiome research by reviewing our current understanding of the soil factors that control metal bioavailability and combining it with our understanding of the dynamics of metals and metalloids with microbial communities in soil. In the end, only a complete knowledge of the interactions between soil microbiome and the soil, plant communities that they are associated with, and the molecular mechanisms underlying their biogeochemical function will allow for the restoration of ecosystem function, improved soil health and quality, and any kind of management for microbial metal transformations.