T-RFLP analysis of structural changes in soil bacterial communities in response to metal and metalloid contamination and initial phytoremediation

► Bacterial diversity and structure was assessed in contaminated soils using T-RFLP. ► Lower diversity and re-structured communities in highly contaminated soils. ► Initial phytoremediation increased soil bacterial diversity and abundance. ► Highly contaminated soils were predominated by species under β-proteobacteria. ► Dominant species have key roles in nitrogen cycle and degradation of pollutants.