Metagenomics analysis of therapeutical peats samples mined from the deposits of the “Puścizna Wielka” peat bog in Poland

Therapeutic values of therapeutical peats have been appreciated for centuries. Although microbiological criteria for therapeutical peats used in therapies exists in Poland, this source is still “terra incognita ” in terms of microbiological diversity. Many authors studying peats indicate that microorganisms inhabiting this niches possess abilities allowing their application in biotechnology and various fields of industry, economy, and medicine. The aim of this research was to explore this ecosystem and reveal microbiological potential for commercial use. Samples of peats were collected from protected deposits of the Czarny Dunajec in Poland to perform metagenomics analysis. Moreover, for better samples characteristics, physicochemical properties were performed. In all testes samples, the most abundant phylum was Acidobacteriota , its percentage ranged from 46.42% to 60.02%. Second the most predominant phylum was Proteobacteria , present in all samples in the range of 20.75% to 35.34%. Proteobacteria is a large group of Gram-negative bacilli and cocci. This phylum is divided into five classes, among which the OTUs of Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were identified in tested samples. Other phyla present in each tested sample were Verrucomicrobiota (1.97% – 7.72%), Desulfobacterota (0.83% - 6.04%) and Actinobacteriota (1.97% - 3.38%). “Puścizna Wielka” peat bog possess a great microbiological potential and can be a source of bacteria that could be used in industry or biotechnology. Many articles published over the past few years describe isolates of new species and their individual features. In next step authors plan to isolate and test strains using various media and conditions.