Abstract 1379 Evolution of cadmium-resistant bacteria in agricultural soils

Severe chemical contamination is currently observed in surrounding ecosystems to agricultural soils due to their constant irrigation with commercial fertilizers. One concerning effect is the accumulation of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd). Soil microbes have the potential to evolve the ability to metabolize heavy metals after multiple years of exposure to such selective pressure, and potentially be implemented as natural bioremediators. Yet it remains unknown whether heavy metal accumulation in agricultural soils might be selecting for heavy metal resistant bacteria.