Laboratory studies for prediction of responses of algae to algaecides in situ

Questions subsequently arose pertaining to 1) the utility of responses of one or a few unialgal cultures to predict responses of natural algal assemblages, and 2) differences in responses of algae to compounds in laboratory-formulated media relative to water collected from an aquatic system of interest. By defining treatment goals, the measurement of "success" can be characterized. Because resources (e.g., economic, logistic) are ultimately limited, treatment goals need to be defined within terms that are feasible and maximize the opportunity for success. For densityrelated problems, this can include a decrease in algal mass or surface area coverage so that designated uses of the water resource can be restored (e.g., navigation, irrigation, property value). STUDY DESIGN The concept of laboratory studies providing predictions of in situ results is based on fundamental concepts of ecotoxicology.