SSU rRNA gene survey of clay microcosms

To study a diversity of microorganisms inhabiting commercial clay products, we performed Illumina Miseq paired-end sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicon (V3-V4 region) libraries retrieved from microcosms containing different types of as-received bentonite clays. Insights into microbiology of commercial clays are indispensable for prevention of potential biodeterioration of clay-based engineered barrier systems in deep underground industrial facilities