In this study, we applied 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing to: (i)
identify and characterize the planktonic bacterial communities
associated with different compartments of a full-scale desalination
plant for drinking water production and (ii) compare these communities
across different locations throughout the water treatment
process. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study that investigates
the microbial ecology of a seawater desalination plant for
drinking water production.