ABSTRACT
Experimental data on fate, bioavailability, and effects of metals in the soil plant system are often derived from various culture techniques:
• pot experiments (microcosm), • larger soil columns or lysimeters (mesocosm), or • field experiments (macrocosm). In some studies, solution culture is used instead of soil medium. As
the different experimental techniques have various advantages and may yield information on several aspects of the same issue, selection of the most suitable experimental technique is important. However, there are inherent d ifficulties in interpreting data on plant grow th, on bioaccumulation, and phytotoxicity of metals established using different techniques.
