ABSTRACT
This chapter presents information regarding specific changes that have been observed in storage-related phenomenon (SRP) of terrestrial subsurface samples, and hypotheses that have been posed to explain them. It addresses the importance of these observations with regard to sampling strategies and bioremediation efforts. Perturbations associated with sampling and sample handling may have changed the abundance and types of available substrates. Sample handling concerns are of immediate importance in determining field sampling logistics. Understanding SRP is important for any microbial ecologist that is working with samples from the field, and it is also of interest in applied microbial ecology. Moisture content may be an important factor controlling the extent of microbial change seen in SRP. Sample perturbation may also be important with regard to SRP. Both the proliferation and resuscitation of bacteria probably occur in SRP. Moisture and oxygen content, temperature of transport and storage, and additional undiscovered variables may influence SRP.
