AToxMss — From a space proven payload to a validated testsystem in ecotoxicology Original Research Article

The C.E.B.A.S.-Minimodule (Closed Equilibrated Biological Aquatic System) is a space qualified aquatic microcosm of 8.6 liters volume of water. Several aquatic species can be reared in parallel. Based on its characteristics (closed system, highly standardized, testruns longer than 4 weeks are possible, organisms of different trophic levels can be investigated) an improved module (C.B.R.U. = Closed Biological Research Unit) is under development for scientific and commercial use in ecotoxicology. In a two year project named AToxMss (Aquatic EcoToxicology in a Multispecies Stem) this goal can be reached. AToxMss is a R&D project of an industry team and two teams of the University of Bremen, funded by industry (OHB-System AG) and the state of Bremen, Germany. Three project phases are already completed: The parameter determination to indicate potential impact of chemicals on biological systems, the selection of test substances, as well as the manufacturing of 3 functional modules, each verified for use in ecotoxicological research. The next phase starts with a series of test runs calibrating the system by using well known toxic substances and chemicals.