16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of raw sludge
Total genomic DNA was extracted from sludge samples. The V3V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified using specific primers, and amplicon libraries were prepared using standard protocols. Libraries were validated using Agilent TapeStation and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform using 2  300 bp paired-end chemistry to characterize bacterial community composition.