Small-scale field tests organisms

Small-scale field testing. The EPA requires notification prior to the use of microbial pesticides for small-scale testing for those organisms which are defined as nonindigenous or genetically altered. The purpose is to screen for possible risk to human health or the environment, and to determine if an EUP is required. Small-scale tests are defined as terrestrial field studies that involve 10 acres or less of land, or 1 surface acre or less of water. 

In 1992, OECD published its Good Developmental Principles (GDP) (OECD, 1992) for the design of small-scale field research involving transgenic plants and micro-organisms. This document describes the use of confinement in field tests. Confinement includes measures, to avoid the dissemination or establishment of organisms from a field trial, for example, the use of physical, temporal, or biological isolation (such as the use of sterility). 

Concentration and Recovery of Solutes. The RO method was evaluated by using small-scale concentrations and selected model organic solutes. Similar concentrations were performed by other researchers by using alternate sampling methods as part of a comparison study. The concentration provided a 50-fold volume reduction (500 L down to 10 L). Field applications of the RO method usually involve sample volumes of 2000-8000 L. No steps were taken to condition membranes and equipment prior to the laboratory tests. This laboratory performance evaluation was conducted, in many respects, as a worst case exercise. 

---