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Non‐intrusive monitoring of atmospheric CO 2 in analogue models of terrestrial carbon cycle
Author(s) -
Lukac Martin,
Milcu Alexandru,
Wildman Dennis,
Anderson Rob,
Sloan Tom,
Ineson Phil
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
methods in ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.425
H-Index - 105
ISSN - 2041-210X
DOI - 10.1111/j.2041-210x.2010.00058.x
Subject(s) - analyser , environmental science , sampling (signal processing) , calibration , computer science , measure (data warehouse) , simulation , detector , statistics , chemistry , telecommunications , mathematics , database , chromatography
Summary 1. Closed ecological systems (CES) are small man‐made ecosystems which do not have any material exchange with the surrounding environment. Recent ecological and technological advances enable successful establishment and maintenance of CES, making them a suitable tool for detecting and measuring subtle feedbacks and mechanisms. 2. As a part of an analogue (physical) C cycle modelling experiment, we developed a non‐intrusive methodology to control the internal environment and to monitor atmospheric CO 2 concentration inside 16 replicated CES. Whilst maintaining an air‐tight seal of all CES, this approach allowed for access to the CO 2 measuring equipment for periodic re‐calibration and repairs. 3. To ensure reliable cross‐comparison of CO 2 observations between individual CES units and to minimize the cost of the system, only one CO 2 sampling unit was used. An ADC BioScientific OP‐2 (open‐path) analyser mounted on a swinging arm was passing over a set of 16 measuring cells. Each cell was connected to an individual CES with air continuously circulating between them. 4. Using this setup, we were able to continuously measure several environmental variables and CO 2 concentration within each closed system, allowing us to study minute effects of changing temperature on C fluxes within each CES. The CES and the measuring cells showed minimal air leakage during an experimental run lasting, on average, 3 months. The CO 2 analyser assembly performed reliably for over 2 years, however an early iteration of the present design proved to be sensitive to positioning errors. 5. We indicate how the methodology can be further improved and suggest possible avenues where future CES based research could be applied.