Biogeochemical characterization of alluvial floodplain soils and sediments was performed to investigate parameters that may indicate microbial hot spot formation.

A correlation between geochemical parameters (total organic carbon and extractable metals) and bulk microbial DNA was found in two alluvial floodplain settings.

Results of this study motivate additional work on understanding the influence of environment on microbial activity, and microbial activity on environment in natural systems.