16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of an incubated consortium during acid mine drainage bioremediation
Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a toxic waste derived from mining activities characterized by its low pH, and its high metal and sulfate content. AMD is responsible for metal pollution once it enters to ecosystems producing serious concerns to environment and human health. An indigenous acidophilic sulfate-reducing bacteria originating from microbial hotspots in sediment of an abandoned mining tunnel (BSA-100) located in Hualgayoc, Cajamarca (Peru) was tested for metal removal and acidity neutralization of acidic mine water. The microbial community composition was monitored over 160 days. Microbial 16S rRNA genes were amplified using primers 515F and 806R targeting the V4 region. Library preparation steps (Nextera, Illumina) and sequencing were performed using Illumina MiSeq sequencing system (Illumina, USA).