5.3 Addition of Substances to the Microcosm N-System
Addition of test materials to the microcosm is conducted on day 0 (i.e., when
microcosm cultivation was initiated) or on the 16th day (i.e., when the microcosm
reached a stationary phase). During the addition of test materials on day 0, the effect
of test materials on neither the microcosm nor the microbiota was evaluated (i.e., it
was not determined if a stable ecosystem could be established or not). Similarly,
during the addition of test materials on the 16th day, the effect of the test materials on
neither the microcosm nor the microbiota was evaluated (i.e., it was not determined
whether the species diversity was maintained or whether a stable ecosystem could be
recovered). For both addition methods, the microbial population (structural parameter) and the P/R ratio (functional parameter) should be measured to evaluate the
effects of the test materials.
5.3.1 Replication and Control Groups
Preliminary examinations conducted 1–3 times are sufficient. Repeat the final experiment 5 times; in consideration of the statistics of the analyzed data, the final
experiment should be performed at least three times. Add a solvent if the same amount
Fig. 5.2 Fixation of
electrode
5 Procedure for Using the Microcosm N-System
41
Addition of test materials to the microcosm is conducted on day 0 (i.e., when
microcosm cultivation was initiated) or on the 16th day (i.e., when the microcosm
reached a stationary phase). During the addition of test materials on day 0, the effect
of test materials on neither the microcosm nor the microbiota was evaluated (i.e., it
was not determined if a stable ecosystem could be established or not). Similarly,
during the addition of test materials on the 16th day, the effect of the test materials on
neither the microcosm nor the microbiota was evaluated (i.e., it was not determined
whether the species diversity was maintained or whether a stable ecosystem could be
recovered). For both addition methods, the microbial population (structural parameter) and the P/R ratio (functional parameter) should be measured to evaluate the
effects of the test materials.
5.3.1 Replication and Control Groups
Preliminary examinations conducted 1–3 times are sufficient. Repeat the final experiment 5 times; in consideration of the statistics of the analyzed data, the final
experiment should be performed at least three times. Add a solvent if the same amount
Fig. 5.2 Fixation of
electrode
5 Procedure for Using the Microcosm N-System
41