Experimental models of small closed systems with spatially separated unicellular organism-based components.

Experimental models of small biotic cycles of different degree of closure and complexity with spatially separated components based on unicellular organisms have been studied. Gas closure of components looped into "autotroph-heterotroph" (chlorella-yeast) system doubled the lifetime of the system (as opposed to individually cultivated components). Higher complexity of the heterotroph component consisting of two yeast species also increased the lifetime of the system through more complete utilization of the substrate by competing yeast species. The lifetime of gas and substrate closed "producer-consumer" trophic chain (chlorella-paramecia) increased to 7 months. In 60 days the components' numbers reached their steady state followed by more than 40 cycles of the medium. The role of a predator organism (protozoan) in nitrogen cycling was demonstrated; reproduction of protozoa correlated directly with their emission of nitrogen in the ammonia form that is most optimum for growth of chlorella.