Predictability of Biodegradation on the Environment: Limits of Prediction from Experimental Data

This chapter deals with the description and interpretation of different biodegradation tests dealing with the degradation of chemicals by mixed microbial communities derived from different natural and semi-natural habitats. Prescribed standardized laboratory tests and their limitations are listed and compared to more complicated tests systems such as different simulation tests, micro- and mesocosm tests, and field studies. Where possible examples are given to illustrate possible outcomes of some tests, using the substances 4-nitrophenol, tetrachlorobenzene, and NTA. Tests with and without soil or sediments are described. The importance of environmental factors like the concentration of the chemical, size of the degrading population, grazing, temperature, sorption, and others are illustrated. A focus lies on the importance of adaptation phenomena. Interactions of the factors and their impacts on the predictability of biodegradation are discussed and recommendations for further research as well as management advice are given.