Standard Guide for Conducting a Terrestrial Soil-Core Microcosm Test

1.1 This guide defines the requirements and procedures for using soil-core microcosms to test the environmental fate, ecological effects, and environmental transport of chemicals that may enter terrestrial ecosystems. The approach and the materials suggested for use in the microcosm test are also described.

1.2 This guide details a procedure designed to supply site-specific or possibly regional information on the probable chemical fate and ecological effects in a soil system resulting from the release or spillage of chemicals into the environment in either liquid or solid form.

1.3 Experience has shown that microcosms are most helpful in the assessment process after preliminary knowledge about the chemical properties and biological activity have been obtained. Data generated from the test can then be used to compare the potential terrestrial environmental hazards of a chemical.

1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, chemicals, radiolabeled compounds, hazardous operations, wastes operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with testing the environmental toxicity and environmental fate of a pure chemical or complex mixture of chemicals. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations for wastes before the tests are performed.