Controlled Environment Assists Soil and Water Studies
By Kellie Potucek
In the absence of a controlled environment, accurate research of reduced soils is virtually impossible. Because redox conditions powerfully impact the chemistry of soil, sediment, and water, exposure to oxygen severely corrupts the integrity of samples.
Texas A&M University recently purchased a controlled environment chamber to support research of reduced soil, sediment, and water. The cost was offset by a Water Resources Research Equipment Grant awarded through TWRI. Professor Richard Loeppert, of the Soil and Crop Sciences Department, led the quest for the chamber acquisition.
“In the handling of natural soil and water samples, the maintenance and control of redox potential is of paramount importance,” explained Loeppert.
Samples are immediately contained after removal from their natural environment and are placed in the chamber by way of a side compartment. Pressure and redox conditions are controlled and maintained via nitrogen pumps. Sealed glove-like apparatuses enable researchers to manipulate samples within the chamber.
The valuable data to be obtained through use of the equipment far outweighs its $15,000 price tag. Currently, studies are chiefly centered on the reactions of minerals under wetland conditions, but a variety of other projects will also benefit. Additionally, the chamber is used to prepare samples for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electronic microscopy analysis.
