Manual for Soil Analysis-Monitoring and Assessing Soil Bioremediation Phần 5

136 A. Singh et al. 5.2.4 Soil Microcosms One of the simplest methods requiring minimal equipment for soil biodegradation studies is with use of a biometer flask (Bellco, Vineland, NJ, USA). The United Sates Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OCED) have also recommended this method (OECD 1981; McFarland et al. 1991; Skladany and Baker 1994). Biodegradation activity can be evaluated by directly monitoring the loss of the target compounds or indirectly by measuring by-products of biodegradation or electron acceptor consumption. A biometer flask, a 250-mL Erlenmeyer flask with a side arm containing potassium hydroxide to trap...