Important note: this web site makes extensive use of tables, frames and JavaScript - which must be enabled (how?). We also recommend using a browser with capabilities equivalent to those of Netscape Navigator 4+ or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4+.

The Pond-FX web site is a resource aimed primarily at scientists working in aquatic ecotoxicology, or the study of the ecological consequences arising from the toxic effects of chemicals in aquatic environments. We hope, however, that this site will be useful to anyone interested in learning more about the important role of ecology in understanding environmental problems. The site is also an example of how mathematical and computer simulation models can be highly valuable tools for exploring abstract or complex ecological processes, and how database modelling techniques and the Internet can be used to provide multi-purpose access to ecological data (OSU disclaimer, Zeneca disclaimer).

The first edition of this web site became public on 11 February 1999. At the present time instructions and other useful documentation is still being added to some parts of the web site (including this page!) but you are free to explore the site and we welcome any suggestions you may have. To submit comments or report any problems concerning this web site, please use the "Feedback" page or send e-mail to the web site manager (PondFX@bcc.orst.edu).

This university-based web site was developed as one part of an academic research project entitled "Putting ecology back into ecotoxicology", funded through the Strategic Research Fund (SRF) of Zeneca, and involving experts in aquatic ecology, toxicology, ecological modelling, ecotoxicology and ecological database design. The research project aimed to develop an approach to better predict the likely effects of a pollutant (pesticide, or other toxin) on the "health" of natural resources such as farmland ponds, by focussing on the need to understand how the ecology of the pond organisms can alter the effects that might otherwise be expected purely from the results of toxicity tests. The project scientists were from multiple institutions, including British and North American universities and Zeneca UK.

Information about the individuals involved in the project can be found on the "People" page, along with links to the associated institutions. We also have available a brief description of the Zeneca SRF and the rationale of the project.

If you happen to get lost while exploring the Pond-FX web site, just look for the "Home" or "Up" menu links which can usually be found at the top or bottom of each web page.

You can select one of the following links to start exploring the web site:

• Simulations - generalized models of toxin impact on pond macroinvertebrates.
• Aquatic Life - database of freshwater macroinvertebrate life history and distribution in Britain.

...and lastly:

Despite having the same name as a certain infamous technique for producing energy, the excellent software product known as ColdFusion (Allaire Corp.) is what powers most of this web site. Contact the site manager (PondFX@bcc.orst.edu) for further information about the database & web programming side of Pond-FX.