16S-V4 rRNA sequencing data from microcosm experiments using wetland sediment to investigate the influence of antibiotics and a nitrification inhibitor in agricultural run-off on N-cycling processes, 2019-2020

This project evaluated the discrete and combined effects of specific veterinary and human antibiotics and a common nitrification inhibitor (nitrapyrin) on nitrate-N treatment efficiency in wetland sediments. Sediment and water samples were collected from 3 locations at the USDA Meat Animal Research Facility near Clay Center NE in August 2019 for assessment of background conditions to determine the ideal collection site for future microcosm experiments to quantify rates of N-cycling activity in sediments. The sites ranged in historical exposure to inhibitors from (1) little to no relative historical exposure (Control site) (2) moderate relative historical exposure (Grade Control Structure 5), and (3) heavy relative historical exposure to antibiotic runoff from agricultural and cattle grazing land (Reuse Pit (RP)). Laboratory microcosm experiments were then initiated in December 2019 using sediment collected from the historically high exposure site (Reuse Pit) only. Microcosms were amended with either an antibiotic mixture (chlortetracycline, sulfadimethoxine, lincomycin, monensin) or nitrapyrin and the effect of the inhibitors on denitrification and nitrification rates and microbial community structure was quantified.