Accurate estimation of microbial loop processes and rates

Abstract

Our conceptual models of microbial food webs in aquatic ecosystems provide a unifying hypothesis for the design and conduct of field studies. Our ability to provide a rigorous test of these hypotheses, however, relies to a large extent on the availability of precise and accurate methods. Although considerable progress has been made over the past two decades, unambiguous resolution of in situ microbial rates and processes will probably require improved or novel methodologies.