Bioassay versus chemical analysis for chemical residues in soil: the eglin air force base experience

Conclusion

The analysis of soil residues by the use of bioassays and chemical analyses provided an insight into the nature of the chemical residues that persisted after the termination of the spray equipment test program in July 1970. The application of both methods proved valuable in deciding how to proceed with the environmental and ecological studies of the test site. Indeed these studies provided the foundation for the subsequent 15 years of scientific investigations of Test Area C-52. Fig 4. is an overview of the subsequent studies that occurred after the bioassay and chemical studies in 1969-1970. The Eglin Experience represents one the few available ‘classic studies’ of an entire ecosystem that has been massively contaminated with chemicals (in this case, herbicides) and followed for decades after the contamination [1].