Standardized Protocols for Environmental Sample Collection: Minimizing Contamination and Preserving Microbial Community Integrity.

Bo Li, Tongyi Zhao, Jiying Xu, Qiyu Meng, Qidong Yin, Yanting Zou

Abstract readReview

In one paragraph

Review in Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it

0cells of the map it votes in

0citing papers in PubMed

–field-weighted citation impact

1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Bo LiGuangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Ecological Security and Green Development, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China. libo01@gdut.edu.cn.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7568-9880

Tongyi ZhaoGuangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Ecological Security and Green Development, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.

Jiying XuGuangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Ecological Security and Green Development, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.

Qiyu MengGuangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Ecological Security and Green Development, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.

Qidong YinSchool of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, China.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9063-5397

Yanting ZouGuangzhou eDNAmega Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Accurate microbial community assessment begins with reliable sample collection. Environmental matrices, such as soil, water, and human-associated habitats, each present unique challenges that can introduce contamination or alternative microbial structures in samples. This chapter provides an overview of standardized sampling strategies for these environments, emphasizing principles for minimizing external contamination and preserving the integrity of microbial communities. Key considerations in field practice, sample handling, preservation, and transport are summarized, along with common pitfalls and practical solutions.

Indexed as

MicrobiotaPreservation, BiologicalSpecimen HandlingEcosystemFecesHumansMouthNoseSalivaSkinSoil MicrobiologyWater MicrobiologyCommunity structureContamination controlEnvironmental samplingMicrobiomeSample preservation

Identifiers

PMID42108289

DOI10.3390/su7055050

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata

Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.