Abstract
An aquatic microcosm system is described which is suitable to investigate fate and effects of pesticides and other chemicals in aquatic ecosystems under simulated conditions. The microcosm consists of a water body with a volume of 800 liter and a sediment layer including an undisturbed sediment core of 60 cm depth and 60 cm diameter. Both sediment and water are taken from natural ditches or ponds. The system is installed in a greenhouse under partly standardized conditions. For experiments the 14C-labelled test substances are used. The fate relevant parameters of a chemical, i.e. degradation, metabolism and distribution, including ground water exposure, bioavailability and accumulation in water and sediment organisms, as well as ecosystem effects are determined in a single experimental set up. Furthermore, the regeneration potential of the system after chemical stress can be studied.
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