ARDRA based OTU classification.

The number of positive clones produced from each sample is provided along with the frequency of OTUs for each clone library based on ARDRA analysis. OTUs were subsequently resolved into 5 family- level groups, based on analysis of 16S rRNA sequences from clone libraries i.e. Methanoregulaceae/WCHA2-08 group (OTU 1, 2, 3), the Methanospirillaceae group (OTU 4), Methanosarcinaceae group (OTU 5), Methanosaetaceae group (OTU 6, 7) and Candidatus ‘Methanoflorentaceae’ (Rice cluster II) group (OTU 8). *One positive clone had a unique ARDRA pattern but when sequence for this clone was obtained and analysed using Mallard [41] it was identified as a possible chimera and omitted from further analysis. (PDF)