ABSTRACT
The role of microorganisms and the implications of their activity on the potential success of a variety of reclamation situations have been discussed in the preceeding chapters. These examples have vividly depicted the varying degrees of understanding of microbial function in disturbed ecosystems; i.e., some processes are apparently well documented whereas with others, the hypotheses may best be described as being derived at least as much from inference and speculation as from sound field data. Because of the limitations discussed in the preface, all or even a representative sample of reclamation needs could not be discussed in this volume. Yet, with the objective of providing an overview of the microbial role in reclamation processes, some synthesis of the common aspects of the chapters is needed. Hence, this chapter will demonstrate the overall principles derived from the proceeding discussions and evaluate current and future needs for reclamation research.
