32
RICE UNIVERSITY STUDIES
pollution, dense algal growths could support sufficient bacteria that oxygen
depletion would occur without additional organic pollution.
The results reported are incomplete and certainly do not solve the com-
plex problems involved in the biology of water pollution. It is clear, how-
ever, that experimental analysis in the laboratory can lead to a better
understanding of the relationships and mechanisms operating in natural
systems. Laboratory data undoubtedly cannot be applied quantitatively to
streams and lakes. However, the principles operating should be applicable
in some form. Factors in natural systems that serve to modify the estab-
lished relationships should also be subject to experimental analysis.
The effects of pollution on our large, complex water systems must be
studied, but for experimental analysis and establishment of principles, the
least complicated should be the systems of choice. Although such bodies of
water as our Great Lakes, large rivers, and Galveston Bay need and re-
quire ecological study, definition of variables would be a formidable task.
To meet our long-range goals of understanding and controlling aquatic
ecologies, more definable systems must be used as experimental models.
If possible, the experimental system should be representative of the major
water resources of the geographical region, which in this area is where
fresh and salt water intermingle. According to Stanley A. Cain, “ . . . estu-
arine systems . . . are among our most important, least understood, and
most misused ecological complexes. They are important because they are
so often extremely productive biologically; because they provide conditions
necessary for breeding grounds, nursery areas, and feeding and resting
places, for myriad forms of life; and because they are interesting, attractive
and rewarding places for people to fish, hunt, boat, and enjoy living
things.”
The Rice University contribution to Environmental Science and Engi-
neering and pollution control should be and is in the areas of teaching and
research. The present program and future contributions to the betterment
of the regional environment would be significantly enhanced by develop-
ment of the Rice University Clear Lake facility into a center for educa-
tion and research in estuarine ecology.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Cain, S. A. Ecological Impacts of Water Resources Development. Water Re-
sources Research Seminar, Dept, of Interior, Washington, D.C., January 24, 1967.
2. Fogg, G. E. and W. D. Watt. “The Kinetics of Release of Extracellular Products
of Photosynthesis by Phytoplankton,” Mem. 1st. Ital. Idrobiol., 18 (1965) Suppl.,
165-174.
3. Hynes, H. B. N. A Survey of Water Pollution Problems. In Ecology and
the Industrial Society, pp. 49-63. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1965.