SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1985
STP35256S

Experimental Ponds for Evaluating Bioassay Predictions

Source

Experimental pond studies were used to demonstrate a means of assessing the accuracy of laboratory and in situ bioassays predicting the effects of chemical stress on phytoplankton. A short-term batch bioassay using changing carbon uptake in photosynthesis predicted an immediate (first 24 h) effect of the herbicide atrazine on the phytoplankton communities in experimental ponds. After addition of atrazine to the ponds, the same decreases in carbon uptake were observed, but the appearance of resistant species that soon occurred could not be predicted with the short-term exposure used in such a bioassay. From another experimental pond study a longer-term continuous flow bioassay using changing species composition predicted an effect of increased nutrient and altered pH conditions over a 20-day exposure. With these same perturbations applied to experimental ponds, the same series of responses were observed. Comparison of responses in the experimental ponds with those in the bioassays was also used to demonstrate the general limits of applicability for each bioassay.

Author Information

deNoyelles, F
University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Kettle, WD
University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
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Developed by Committee: E47
Pages: 91–103
DOI: 10.1520/STP35256S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4930-4
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0433-4