Abstract
Primary samples of groundwater or core are collected and analyzed to characterize the microbiology of aquifers and to predict biogeochemical transformations. Alternative sampling devices have been developed that are incubated for some length of time in the aquifer to accrue biomass for analysis. Considering data generated from different types of aquifer samples, it appears that the type of sample collected and analyzed may strongly influence the resulting view of aquifer microbiology. Borehole artifacts need to be rigorously considered when incubated substrata are used. The indigenous attached populations in deeper, fractured rock aquifers remain understudied and await new sampling approaches.
Acknowledgments
Aquifer samples from the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base (Oscoda, MI) were obtained with assistance of Dr. Michael Barcelona and his field crew; these samples were collected and processed with the additional assistance of Dr. Sean O'Connell. Aquifer samples used in the column studies () were collected with the assistance of Travis McLing and Joe Lord.