Microbial Ecology and Everglades Restoration

Much of the activity proposed for Everglades restoration is associated with processes either controlled by or impacting microbial activities. The authors summarize some recent studies related to restoration objectives conducted in a range of Everglades environments, including marsh and tree island soils, and periphyton assemblages. These studies include research related to the development of restoration performance measures based on nutrient status, analysis of controls on organic matter decomposition that may have lead to the development of soil microtopography responsible for water flow paths, microbial drivers of methane production, and analysis of the architecture of periphyton mats and their potential use in nutrient removal treatment strategies. The authors highlight the complexity inherent in microbial control of biogeochemistry, as well as the multitude of approaches that are needed to explain these interactions. Compared to larger ecosystem attributes such as vegetation community structure, the structure and function of microbial communities have remained elusive, and significantly more research into this area is essential to ensure that restoration goals are accomplished.