26
RICE UNIVERSITY STUDIES
be recognized that nature pollutes nature and that man’s activity is just
another link in the process, albeit an increasingly important one. Pollu-
tion exerts little biological influence except in areas of population stress.
Nature normally minimizes pollution effects by dilution. But, as popula-
tion and pollution concentrations increase, the ratio of diluent (water or
air) to pollutant decreases and biological imbalances become manifest.
At this time we are experiencing a state of great public awareness of
pollution problems. People are becoming more concerned with the quality
of their environment. Water resources need to be developed. Air and water
pollution abatement is greatly needed and the public has never been more
aware of the need for nature conservation. Unfortunately, we do not have
the background of ecological research to support and provide guidance for
these worthwhile human endeavors. Classically, the ecologists have sought
to understand the workings of biological populations and communities us-
ing techniques of gross measurement and correlation. The ecosystems of
choice have been those relatively undisturbed by human activity. How-
ever, man’s activities today are predominant among biotic influences af-
fecting the earth’s ecology. Hence, we must investigate these man-made
effects to insure that planned improvements do not unduly alter our nat-
ural surroundings. Ecology is no longer a descriptive science. Analytical
tools are available to support a truly experimental approach to the study
of natural systems. Ecosystems such as those of streams and forests can
be subjected to detailed chemical, physical, biological, and mathematical
analysis. A much greater understanding of the mechanisms operating in
the control of natural systems must be obtained before a long-range, real-
istic approach to environmental engineering and pollution can be formu-
lated.
It is true that control mechanisms operating in natural systems are high-
ly complex and strongly resistant to experimental field analysis. The con-
stantly changing environment in natural systems serves to confound results
due to lack of repeatable observations. Interactions between biota are so
numerous that frequently only gross physiological measurements are pos-
sible. Interpretations and formulations of principles are severely limited.
However, our long-range goals for a better environment dictate that we
unravel, discover, and understand the principles that control our ecology.
Associations that appear too complicated for analysis in natural systems
can be dissected, simplified, and elucidated to some extent in the labora-
tory. Some knowledgeable people believe that laboratory studies on ecosys-
tems or on the effects of pollution are of little value because results ob-
tained often are not directly applicable to natural systems. However, I
would like to use a recent study to illustrate the value of laboratory experi-
mentation in discovering the underlying principles operating in natural sys-
tems.