Spatial extrapolation ecotoxicology

Both temporal and spatial extrapolations are important in ecotoxicology when it is necessary to consider variation in sensitivity of individuals during stages of development,... 

Experimental aquatic ecosystems have become widely used tools in ecotoxicology because they allow for a greater degree of control, replication, and repeatability than is achievable in natural ecosystems. The test systems in use vary from small indoor microcosms to large and complex outdoor experimental ecosystems. However, natural freshwater systems may also vary considerably in size and ecological complexity. Before addressing the spatial extrapolation of results of model ecosystem experiments that were conducted on different localities, the possible influence of the size and ecological complexity of test systems on responses to chemical stress will be discussed. 

Spatial variability and ecotoxicological data extrapolation This section describes the current knowledge and available extrapolation tools with respect to the effect assessment of the same type of stressor in test systems of different sizes, in different types of aquatic ecosystem within a region, and in comparable ecosystems in different geographical regions. 

Landscape ecotoxicology This section describes current developments and extrapolation tools used in landscape ecotoxicology. Because ecological effect assessment of chemicals at the landscape level requires the integration of both spatial and temporal aspects, this section in particular builds further on the data presented in Chapter 6 on temporal extrapolation in ecological effect assessment of chemicals. 

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