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PERSPECTIVE ON THE ROLE OF MICROCOSMS IN ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND EFFECTS ASSESSMENTS
Citation:
Pritchard, P. AND A. Bourquin. PERSPECTIVE ON THE ROLE OF MICROCOSMS IN ENVIRONMENTAL FATE AND EFFECTS ASSESSMENTS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/D-83/009 (NTIS PB83165530), 1982.
Description:
This paper provides a perspective on the possible interfacing of microcosm studies with both waste assimilatory capacity determinations and other less quantitative types of assessment. Some of the problems and inconsistencies in the interpretation and application of microcosm results are discussed. Conceptual ideas on how microcosms can be used in quantitative and qualitative risk analysis are presented. The microcosm is also a research tool which can enhance our quantitative understanding of the process interactions and metabolic networks typical of natural ecosystems.