Metagenomic insights into biogeochemical functional potential and resistome dynamics of PM(2.5) microbial communities.

Metagenomic analysis reveals that PM(2.5) microbial communities possess conserved biogeochemical functions but highly variable resistome profiles over four months.

• Why it matters: Understanding microbial functional potential and resistome dynamics in atmospheric particles is crucial for assessing their roles in biogeochemical cycles and public health risks, yet these aspects remain poorly characterized.
• What they did: Researchers conducted metagenomic sequencing on PM(2.5) samples collected across four months, identifying genes involved in methane, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur cycling, and resistance determinants, with over 65% of gene subtypes conserved and more than 80% of resistome components varying temporally.
• The result: Findings demonstrate stable biogeochemical functions alongside fluctuating resistance gene profiles, highlighting potential health risks associated with pathogen presence and resistance traits, and emphasizing the ecological and public health importance of airborne microbial communities.