Knowledge Gaps, Obstacles, and Research Frontiers in Groundwater Microbial Ecology

Aim: The aim of this chapter is to critically highlight existing knowledge gaps, obstacles, and research frontiers in groundwater microbial ecology. Main concepts covered: We have identified and discuss below 10 topics where there is an urgent need for microbiological research in groundwater. Main methods covered: We consider the challenges in groundwater microbiology research, including the limited accessibility of aquifers, methods to robustly characterize communities, the importance of microbial interactions, and the current lack of underpinning ecological theory and the testing of basic concepts in groundwater. Conclusion/Outlook: There is enormous opportunity to progress fundamental ecological understanding through further research of microbiology in the terrestrial subsurface.