GovWire

This project generated a DNA-based dataset that captures genetic information from microbial biofilm communities in English rivers. Biofilms are often found on the bed and banks of rivers and different microbes such as bacteria, fungi, algae and other tiny single celled organisms attach and grow on the moist surfaces. The dataset will serve as a foundational source of knowledge and help identify new microbial indicators of ecosystem health. Preliminary analysis describes the microbial communities associated with different types of land cover as well as other environmental factors that influence their distribution.