Abstract:

This data collection was generated from a study in which oiled seagrass bed microcosms were created to examine the oil spill responses on seagrass beds and benthic algal communities. Genomic DNA was extracted from the surface sediment cores of 12 mesocosms. The abundance and biodiversity of microphytobenthic communities were characterized based on the 23S rRNA gene using Illumina MiSeq 2x 250 bp technology. Sample information and DNA sequencing data can be accessed at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) under accession number PRJNA630525.

Suggested Citation:

Taylor L. Hancock and Hidetoshi Urakawa. 2020. Microphytobenthic communities in simulated oil spill seagrass mesocosms, May 2016 to September 2016. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/FC0K9930

Purpose:

Shared research information and DNA sequences can be used as references by other researchers who study oiling effects on sulfate-reducing bacterial communities.

Data Parameters and Units:

Accession, study (SRP260197), bioproject_accession (PRJNA630525), biosample_accession (SAMN14819711, SAMN14819722), library_ID, title (Chloroplast 23S rRNA gene HTS of oiled seagrass mesocosm), library_strategy (AMPLICON), library_source (METAGENOMIC), library_selection (PCR), library_layout (paired), platform (ILLUMINA), instrument_model (Illumina MiSeq), design_description, filetype (fastq), filename, and filename2.

Methods:

Ten seagrass cores were collected from Estero Bay, Florida on June 15, 2016, and ten cores were collected in the Chandeleur Islands on June 19, 2016. These were used for the mesocosm experiment. The water-associated fraction (WAF) was mixed using a stir-plate with a speed of 240 RPM and octagonal stir bars for at least 72 hours in direct sunlight. In order to avoid gas expansion problems, 20% of headspace was left in each bottle. The containers were cleaned and capped, then wrapped with electrical tape to prevent the cap from dislodging due to pressure. After mixing was complete, the WAF was floating on the top of a slightly yellow aqueous solution. The WAF was then drained into two 24.6 L glass containers and stored at -20 °C to avoid breakdown. The mixing containers were cleaned thoroughly using dichloromethane, followed by methanol to remove residual crude oil and related contamination. The containers were then washed with methanol and a series of methanol/water rinses. The waste crude oil was then placed in a 50-gallon (189.271 L) plastic waste container for disposal. WAF was then added to the mesocosm experiment. Sediment samples were used to determine the 23S rRNA gene of benthic algal communities. DNA extraction was performed with a PowerMag DNA Isolation kit by using KingFisher Nucleic Acid and Protein Purification System. DNA samples were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Samples were sequenced using 23S rRNA gene primers p23SrV_f1 and p23SrV_r1, which can target both eukaryotic algae and cyanobacteria.

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