Living soils – the role of microbes in soil health

Mining is a major cause of soil degradation, having left a substantial global footprint. The release and remobilization of toxic metals into the environment as a result of mining activities can pose serious long-term threats to ecosystem- and human health. Bacteria contribute to many geological processes, including the biogeochemical cycling of metals. Hence, researchers have started using bacteria to remediate mine waste, but mainly in the context of single species. In this talk, I will explore whether we can exploit social interactions in bacterial communities to aid in the clean up toxic mine waste.