Metagenomics vs. total RNA sequencing: comparing most accurate data-processing tools, microbial identification accuracy, and implications for freshwater assessments

Metagenomics and total RNA sequencing (total RNA-Seq) have the potential to improve the taxonomic identification of diverse microbial communities, which could allow for the incorporation of microbes into routine freshwater assessments. We tested both approaches on a microbial mock community and compared their accuracy as well as the impact of commonly used data-processing tools on the accuracy.