Mine tailings, complex waste materials generated by mining activities and containing toxic organic and inorganic compounds, represent a global environmental concern due to their role in producing acid mine drainage (AMD), which severely impacts soil and water quality (Lukhele et al., 2020; Rambabu et al., 2020). The abandoned copper mine site in Lefke has been identified as a significant source of chronic pollution and is regarded as the largest environmental disaster in the recent history of Northern Cyprus. Over 9.5 million tons of copper mine tailings, stored in inadequately equipped ponds, have led to permanent pollution, including AMD, heavy metal contamination, and soil degradation (Sözen et al., 2017; Barkett et al., 2018; Baycu et al., 2015). The objective of the proposed project is to characterize the microbial communities and chemical contaminants of this abandoned copper mine site through next-generation sequencing (NGS) and comprehensive chemical analysis. For this purpose, samples from approximately 10 cm depth will be collected from different zones of the copper mine tailings, including highly contaminated, moderately contaminated, and less-contaminated areas. After DNA extraction, bacterial 16S rRNA genes will be amplified and sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, enabling high-resolution taxonomic profiling and insights into the microbial communities that are able to survive in high concentrations of toxic metals through diverse ecological functions (Ogugua et al., 2024; Lukhele et al., 2020). The methodology combines microbial community profiling with geochemical assessments, such as pH, redox potential (Eh), and metal ion concentrations. This integrated approach will elucidate correlations between microbial community profiles and chemical contaminants in the copper mine tailings of Lefke. Determining the microbial community compositions and understanding their roles within AMD environments is critical for evaluating their potential application in bioremediation processes (Jayapal et al., 2023; Chen et al., 2024). We believe that the results obtained from this project will serve as a foundation for future studies and bioremediation strategies, providing a baseline understanding of the microbiota and chemical characteristics of the site. Consequently, it has the potential to provide a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to AMD and heavy metal pollution, contributing to global environmental restoration efforts to rehabilitate mining waste sites.
