Quantitative PCR data from PCB-contaminated lagoon sediment samples

This dataset contains the raw and analyzed results of quantitative PCR experiments using DNA extracted from sediments in a PCB-contaminated wastewater lagoon. There were a total of 27 sample locations, and DNA was extracted in duplicate from each location for a total of 54 samples for analysis. The qPCR experiments were performed using five different qPCR primer sets targeting universal and specific 16S rRNA genes or functional genes associated with aerobic and anaerobic PCB biodegradation. Total 16S rRNA genes, putative dechlorinating Chloroflexi 16S rRNA genes and Dehalococcoides 16S rRNA genes were quantified. The functional genes rdhA-RD14, encoding a putative reductive dehalogenase, and bphA, encoding biphenyl dioxygenase alpha subunit, were also quantified. Datafiles are provided for each of the five genes targeted in this dataset. Datafiles contain information concerning the sample setup, the raw amplification data, the processed results, the raw melt-curve data, calibration curve data, additional calculations to convert results into gene copies per gram sediment, and a results summary.