ABSTRACT
This paper overviews pond mesocosm and outdoor pond microcosm studies carried out in the UK over more than 20 years. The objective is to reveal the broad range of ecotoxicological questions that have been addressed using these systems and to indicate some of the principal factors relating to experiment design that have been established through this experience.
Studies considered address both the fate and effects of a wide range of chemicals (pyrethroids; parathion-methyl; chlorfenvinphos; linuron; 3,4-dichloroaniline; 2,5,4’-trichloro-biphenyl, pentachlorophenol and chloroform) in both natural and constructed systems of a variety of designs and sizes (natural ponds, constructed ponds and enclosures within ponds). Fate in water, sediment and biota has been followed, and effects on fish, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, higher plants and algae have been studied.
The knowledge gained from these studies, particularly in relation to experiment design, is then considered in relation to the current UK approach to field test data requirements for aquatic hazard assessment of crop protection products.
