Whole-Genome Metagenomics Insights Revealed a Uranium Bio-remediating Cross-Domain Microbiome in the Dhala Impact Structure, India

Meteorite impact structures on Earth serve as unique terrestrial analogues for extreme planetary environments. The Dhala impact structure in north-central India, formed during a hypervelocity impact, is characterized by uranium-bearing impactites and exhibits exceptionally high uranium concentrations (up to 99.5 ppm). This makes it an ideal natural laboratory to study microbial adaptation to radioactive and metal-rich geological settings.

The first comprehensive, whole-genome metagenomic study of this unique ecosystem has revealed a resilient and highly specialized microbiome that includes bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes, and viruses. These diverse microorganisms have coevolved under prolonged radiological and metal stress, showcasing numerous metabolic adaptations for survival, homeostasis, and biomineralization.

Functional metagenomic analysis uncovered 58 genes directly involved in uranium bioremediation, along with pathways for radionuclide reduction, cellular efflux, and biotransformation. The study also sheds light on the evolutionary relationships of biosphere-geosphere interactions within an ancient impact-generated ecosystem, highlighting the untapped potential of Dhala's extremophiles as a reservoir for eco-friendly, next-generation microbial bioremediation strategies.

This unparalleled site offers significant implications for environmental geomicrobiology, microbial evolution, and astrobiology, as well as for addressing the challenges of uranium contamination and nuclear waste management.