Benthic microbe metagenome sequences (DP1.20279.001)

Benthic metagenomics samples are collected once per year in wadeable streams during the approximate period of peak productivity (the ‘Summer’ or ‘Bout 2’ sampling bout). Sampling takes place at the same time and location as periphyton (microalgae) sampling. Samples are collected using field-sterile methods using the most appropriate sampler for the habitat and substratum type, including rock scrubs, sediment grab samples, and epiphyton on aquatic plants. Periphyton samples are collected in the two most dominant benthic habitat types (e.g. riffles, runs, pools, step pools). Cobble scrubs are filtered on 0.22 um Sterivex capsule filters, capped and flash-frozen in the field. Grab samples of sediment (silt, sand) or plant material/epiphyton are collected when appropriate and flash frozen in the field. Frozen samples are shipped to an analytical facility for DNA extraction, sample preparation and shotgun metagenome sequencing. Laboratory data are then delivered to NEON, where they undergo QC testing and are published on the NEON Data Portal.