Application example: Laboratory lysimeter experiment

Example of application

The project investigates the behaviour and metabolisation of organic components originating from the oil industry, potentially including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), within a controlled soil column environment. The study incorporates both short and tall plants to simulate natural conditions and examines their interactions with these components. The experimental setup is designed to mimic a regular crop cycle, factoring in temperature and rainfall patterns.

The outcomes aim to deepen our understanding of the degradation, migration, and accumulation processes of organic pollutants within agricultural soil ecosystems. This knowledge is critical for assessing environmental impacts and risks associated with industrial pollutants in agricultural contexts.

Experimental Method

1.    Study Design

• Soil columns equipped with plants (short and tall species) to simulate typical agricultural ecosystems.
• Simulated crop cycles using temperature and rainfall patterns modelled for real-world conditions.

2.    Instrumentation Features

• Lysimeters are specially constructed to minimise sorption effects, ensuring accurate solute transport measurements.
• Greenhouse LEDs are designed to provide optimal growth conditions while mimicking natural light cycles.
• Seepage water is collected using the hermetically separated segmented lysimeter base.

Setup und Equipment

Laboratory Lysimeters (4x):

• Stainless steel columns.
• Segmented suction base with seven compartments for precise seepage water collection.
• LED greenhouse with adjustable light spectrums for plant physiology.
• Integrated sprinkler head for controlled water distribution.

Monitoring Devices and Sensors (4x):

• 4x Mini Tensiometers for measuring soil matric potential.
• 4x Miniature glass suction cups for extracting soil water samples.
• 4x pH sensors for tracking soil acidity.
• 4x Redox sensors (acc. to Mansfeldt) to monitor soil oxidation-reduction potential.
• 4x Relative humidity sensors
• 4x PICO 32 sensors for soil moisture content measurement.
• 1x enviLog Midi (SDI 12) multi-channel datalogger to capture and store environmental and soil data.

Additional Equipment (4x):

• Weighing platforms for lysimeter weight monitoring.
• Dosing pump for introducing controlled inputs of water or nutrients.
• Mechanical vacuum controller for maintaining consistent soil suction levels.

SDEC France
Z.I de la Gare 27, CS 50027 Tauxigny
37310 Reignac-sur-Indre
France

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