Performance of an aquatic multispecies system in evaluating the effects of a model microbial pest control agent on nontarget organisms

A recirculating multispecies test system was developed in conjunction with a study of the fate and persistence of a model microbial pest control agent on nontarget marine and freshwater organisms. The basic unit of the system was a 113-1 glass aquarium with vertical biological filters in the center of the aquarium, such that two compartments were formed. This allowed the sequestration of predator and prey species within the same system. Organisms from six phyletic groups were subjected to a genetically altered strain of Pseudomonas putida for 15-29 d in either artificial seawater or fresh water. The system was able to maintain the animals for these periods with a minimum of maintenance. Additionally, the system design lent itself to disinfection, dismantling, and rebuilding between experiments with a minimum of labor, and has potential for longer-term studies.