Subsurface microbiology and the pressing societal need to support future exploration

Area of Science:

• Geomicrobiology
• Subsurface Life Studies
• Environmental Microbiology

Background:

• Subsurface microbiology is shifting focus from microbial identification to understanding their functional roles and the processes governing subsurface life.
• Microbial processes in subsurface environments are critical for addressing global challenges like climate change mitigation and radioactive waste storage.
• Limited funding and access to subsurface sampling sites pose significant challenges to advancing this field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a perspective on the current state and future directions of subsurface microbiology.
• To highlight the importance of subsurface microbial processes for societal needs.
• To propose actionable strategies for advancing subsurface geomicrobiology research.

Main Methods:

• Review of the history and current status of subsurface science.
• Identification of key challenges in subsurface sampling and funding.
• Proposal of strategies for future research and collaboration.

Main Results:

• Subsurface microbiology is transitioning towards functional and process-oriented research.
• Subsurface microbial activities are essential for climate change mitigation and waste management solutions.
• Current research is hampered by limited funding and access to subsurface environments.

Conclusions:

• Continued engagement of early-career microbiologists in drilling projects is essential.
• Increased access to subsurface environments can be achieved through industry partnerships and microbiology-led drilling initiatives.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration, involving microbiologists in the early planning stages of drilling projects, is vital for progress.