In depth metagenomic analysis in contrasting oil wells reveals syntrophic bacterial and archaeal associations for oil biodegradation in petroleum reservoirs

Our objectives were to investigate the taxonomic and functional profiles of the microbiota in each sample in relation to the reservoir conditions, mainly the sample nature (water or oil phase), hydrocarbon degradation extent, temperatureand the use of water injection. The comparison between these twodifferent oil wells provided a unique opportunity to unravel thedominant species and processes relevant for oil biodegradation inthe subsurface environment.