HIGHLIGHTS This study report statistically significant differences in beta-diversity correlated with soil properties, including Cd concentrations. Culture-dependent techniques allowed the isolation of bacterial strains tolerating high Cd concentrations up to 120 mgL −1 for potencial Cd biosorption or intracellular sequestration. The combination of different approaches provides a baseline about the bacterial composition and Cd tolerant strains found in these soils influence for lower Cd accumulation in cocoa crops.

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