Ecokinetics

The environmental impact of a new product needs to be assessed before it can be released for general use. Chemicals released into the environment can enter the food chain and be concentrated in plants and animals. Aquatic ecosystems are particularly sensitive, in this respect, since chemicals, when applied to agricultural land, can be transported in the ground water to rivers and then to the lakes, where they can accumulate in fish and plant life. The ecokinetic model presented here is based on a simple compartmental analysis and is based on laboratory ecosystem studies (Blau et ah, 1975). The model is useful in simulating the results of events, such as the accidental spillage of an agrochemical into a pond, where it is not ethical to perform actual experimental studies. 

Compartmental analysis is a well-known technique of ecokinetics (an example Blau et aL, 1975). 

Blau, G.E., Neely, W.B. and Branson, D.R. 1975. Ecokinetics astudy of thefateand distribution of chemicals in laboratory ecosystems. Amer. Chem. Ing. J. 21 854-861. 

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