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ADAPTATION OF MIXED FLASK CULTURE MICROCOSMS FOR TESTING THE SURVIVAL AND EFFECTS OF INTRODUCED MICROORGANISMS
Citation:
Shannon, L., T. Flum, R. Anderson, AND J. Yount. ADAPTATION OF MIXED FLASK CULTURE MICROCOSMS FOR TESTING THE SURVIVAL AND EFFECTS OF INTRODUCED MICROORGANISMS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/D-89/174 (NTIS PB90226070), 1989.
Description:
A microcosm test was used to evaluate the survival and effects of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelinsis (Bti) in aquatic systems. wo commercial formulations (Vectobac tm from Abbot; Mosquito Attack tm form Aeuters Laboratories) and a laboratory preparation of Bti spores were tested. n all cases, Bti spores persisted in the microcosms, showing no change in abundance over six weeks of observation. he Bti preparations killed larval mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) and midges (Tanytarsus sp.) in microcosms within 24 to 48 hours. ther effects were limited to minor increases in primary production and community respiration (as measured by changes in pH and dissolved oxygen). hese effects appeared to be a response to the loss of grazing insect species, the decomposition of dead insects, and the addition of a biodegradable compound (the formulation) with the formulated products. ioassays of samples from the microcosms against Aedes aegypti larvae showed that Bti lost its toxicity within 7 days. he microcosm procedure proved to be a useful method for evaluating the survival and affects of microbial spores. he results obtained with this procedure were similar to those reported from field tests of Bti.
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ADAPTATION OF MIXED FLASK CULTURE MICROCOSMS FOR TESTING THE SURVIVAL AND EFFECTS OF INTRODUCED MICROORGANISMS