Table 6 Overview of the generation of the analyzed datasets

Sludge samples

38 samples

DNA-extraction

DNA was extracted 2 times from 1 sludge sample

1 DNA-extraction for each sludge sample

PCR

4 and 2 PCR reactions from the 2 DNA-extraction replicates

2 PCR reactions for each DNA-extraction

Restriction digests

The restriction digest from 1 PCR reaction was diluted to 6 different concentrations.

1 restriction digest per PCR reaction

1 restriction digest per PCR reaction

Gel loading

51 restriction digests were loaded 2 times each

6 restriction digests were loaded 2 times each

1 loading per restriction digest

1 loading per restriction digest

T-RF profiles

102 profiles

12 profiles

2 + 4 profiles

76 profiles

Analyzed pairs

51 pairs

6 pairs

1 + 6 pairs (all possible recombinations of the 4 replicates from the same DNA extraction)

38 pairs