The studies of the urban microbiome and the microbiome of the built environment has gained a specific interest in the past few years. Comparing the urban microbiomes of different cities, countries and continents allowed the researchers to identify the true core urban microbiome with 31 microbial species and the sub-core urban microbiome with 1,145 microbial species. It was shown that taxonomic profiles from the cities of North America and Europe are distinct from those collected in East Asia. As more scientific data is gathered, it becomes clear that urban microbiomes are evolving into unique ecological niches closely connected with human, soil, and other microbiomes. This highlights the importance of understanding the factors influencing the urban microbiome and its functions, as well as ensuring its long-term stability in the face of urbanization.
The study of the urban microbiome focuses on various objects: air, transit systems, soil, sewage, honeybees, etc. Both taxonomic diversity and metabolic processes are studied. The Green Wave initiative in Vilnius provides an excellent opportunity to study the transformations of urban microbial communities in the streets of Vilnius city. The current project will investigate changes in both taxonomic diversity and metabolic properties of prokaryotes. Special attention will be paid to the changes in halotolerance, hydrocarbon degradation as well as the ability to synthesize bioactive compounds (polyketides and nonribosomal peptides).