Ecosystem Simulation for Water Pollution Research
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We emphasize that this system cannot reproduce all of the conditions encountered in
natural ecosystem environments; however, it will serve as a bridge between small-scale
laboratory experiments and field conditions. It provides the quantitative control of
significant environmental parameters that cannot be obtained in field studies, and
concurrently introduces levels of complexity which are not obtained in the usual
laboratory experiments.
The completed AEcoS facilities will cost nearly $1,000,000, with the largest
investments in the development of the radiant energy and environmental control systems.
When the goals of this research program are achieved and both mathematical and related
biophysical simulations of aquatic ecosystems can be conducted simultaneously, we
anticipate that the returns for water quality management will greatly exceed the initial
investments.
DISCLAIMER
Mention of commercial products does not necessarily constitute endorsement by the
Environmental Protection Agency.