Underground Explorers

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are key soil microorganisms that enhance nutrient uptake, soil structure, and plant resilience, yet their diversity in Niger Delta swamp forest ecosystems remains poorly characterized. This study investigates the metagenomic diversity of AMF communities across the Niger Delta swamp forests of Nigeria. 35 soil samples will be collected from diverse swamp forest sites,  to capture spatial and pollution-related variation. DNA extraction will be followed by PCR amplification and high-throughput sequencing at a SPUN-affiliated facility, targeting the 18S rRNA gene and ITS regions to assess AMF community composition, richness, and distribution in relation to soil physicochemical properties and oil pollution gradients. This approach will bypass culturing limitations to capture uncultured and rare AMF taxa, providing insights into ecosystem function and resilience. Findings are expected to identify native AMF taxa with bioremediation and plant-growth-promoting potential, supporting sustainable agriculture and land restoration in oil-impacted Niger Delta soils.