Functional gene markers for monitoring hydrocarbon pollution in the marine environment

DNA-based monitoring instruments targeting microbial genes involved in hydrocarbon degradation pathways have emerged as next generation tools for detection of oil pollution in marine environment. However, the knowledge about microbial hydrocarbon degradation genes is still limited and there is no functional marker adapted for use with such instruments. The DNA-based Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) instrument was used in the laboratory to collect seawater samples during an oil exposure experiment, designed to mimic a realistic oil spill scenario at sea at an early stage (7 days). Extracted RNA from samples collected at the start of experiment, as well as from day 4 and day 7 was used for RNA-seq sequencing using Illumina NextSeq500 sequencing technology. KEGG pathways analysis was used to identify functional pathways and genes that were significantly enriched in response to oil addition.