Microbial 16S rRNA diversity in organoclay-amended hydrocarbon-contaminated soil

We have synthesized a surface-tailored organoclay (smectite modified with cationic surfactant and a fatty acid), which was biocompatible (growth and enzymatic activity) with the soil native bacteria. However, whether the direct mixing of organoclays into the contaminated soil changes any microbial diversity draws great attention for the real-world application of the synthesized clay products. These 16S rRNA sequences were obtained from a real contaminated land (hydrocarbon) to investigate the microbial composition and diversity changes.