Peninsula Iberica deep aquifers Metagenome

The main objective of this proposal is to conduct shotgun metagenome sequencing in three serpentinization deep aquifers located in Ronda ophiolite in southern Spain. These sites are being monitored for two years now and its microbial composition determined. Metagenomics data produced will provide more information about the genomic potential of the microbial population detected in each environment. The microbial study is part of a multidisciplinary study that is being conducted by a team encompassing hydrogeologists, geologists and microbiologists. Thorough metagenome screening will be conducted aiming the energetic pathways related to carbon fixation pathways, and methane, sulphur and hydrogen cycling. Metagenomic data will allow to determine which populations are potentially conducting the detected energetic pathways and will be used for comparison purposed with other identical ecosystems. PI Igor Tiago, University of Coimbra, Portugal