| Lueders, T; Táncsics, A: The Ecology of Microbial Contaminant Degradation in Groundwater, Encyclopedia of Inland Waters, 2nd Edition, Elsevier Inc., Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, ISBN 978-0-12-409548-9 (2021), doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819166-8.00180-8 | |
| Abstract: Groundwater systems are key for the provisioning of water for human use, but at the same time impacted by a massive and constantly increasing footprint of anthropogenic pollutants. Fortunately, aquifers are also inhabited by a plethora of microbes, which safeguard water quality with their biogeochemical activities. Here, we discuss microbial contaminant degradation in groundwater from an ecological perspective. The key facets of the use of important pollutants either as electron donors or acceptors by aquifer microbes are presented, as well as the limitations of biodegradation encountered in these specific freshwater ecosystems. An improved ecological understanding of pollutant-degrading microbiomes in groundwater can support societal efforts to protect and restore this important water resource. |
