Mobile laboratories with flow-through systems utilize actual receiving waters with their unique physical, chemical, and biological characteristics which are known to influence the toxicity of environmental contaminants. Mobile bioassay laboratories have definite advantages over fixed laboratories with reference to data collection for enforcement of water-quality standards, for pest-control studies, and for pollution-engineering and research. Such laboratories may also be used to investigate the tainting of edible aquatic organisms.

A survey of mobile bioassay equipment was provided, with a listing of informational sources.

Greater use can be made of the mobile bioassay concept in research applied to pollution abatement than has been previously done. The equipment should be designed for maximum versatility consistent with the objectives of the study and with the budgetary limitations. In many instances, mobile or semi-permanent streamside or floating laboratories can be used to gain basic understanding of the environmental factors affecting the growth, development, reproduction, and behavior of aquatic organisms. This information is needed to better understand the long-term effects of pollutants on these organisms.