QUANTITATIVE REVERSE SAMPLE GENOME PROBING OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES AND ITS APPLICATION TO OIL-FIELD PRODUCTION WATERS

This paper presents a protocol for quantitative analysis of microbial communities by reverse sample genome probing is presented in which (i) whole community DNA is isolated and labeled in the presence of a know n amount of an added internal standard and (ii) the resulting spiked r everse genome probe is hybridized with a master filter on which denatu red genomic DNAs from bacterial standards isolated from the target env ironment were spotted in large amounts (up to 1,500 ng) in order to im prove detection sensitivity. This protocol allowed reproducible finger printing of the microbial community in oil field production waters at 19 sites from which water and biofilm samples were collected. It appea red that selected sulfate-reducing bacteria were significantly enhance d in biofilms covering the metal surfaces in contact with the producti on waters.