Long-read metagenomics of a saltern pond
This study investigates the taxonomic and functional diversity of microbial and viral populations within the extreme environment of a solar saltern crystallizer pond (salinity >30%). By employing a hybrid metagenomic approach, combining the high accuracy of Illumina short-read sequencing with the structural resolution of PacBio HiFi long-reads, we aim to provide a comprehensive view of the halophilic community. The project focuses on the recovery of high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) and the identification of novel viral sequences (haloviruses) to better understand metabolic adaptations, virus-host interactions, and ecosystem dynamics at the upper limits of salinity.