Efficient anaerobic sediment processing via a novel sediment core extruder

Collection, extrusion and sampling of sediment cores are common methods used to explore the biogeochemistry of marine and lake deposits. We present a novel design for a sediment-core extruder that has greatly improved our core processing efficiency and reduced costs, while ensuring reliable results from solid phase and porewater analyses. The free-standing, aluminum structure is lightweight, enabling easy transport and quick setup/breakdown when processing cores in the field, and the height of the apparatus can be adjusted to fit any lab space and create a comfortable sampling experience for the user. Set up and processing time are reduced by eliminating the need for clamps or collars that secure the core barrel. A unique feature is the novel means to attach a portable glove bag for anaerobic sample processing. Dissolved iron speciation data from sediment cores collected in hypereutrophic Lake Okeechobee, Florida, USA, are presented to demonstrate the utility of the device in maintaining redox conditions throughout the process of core extrusion and sectioning.•A sediment extrusion device is described to allow efficient sediment core processing (separation) for subsequent biogeochemical analyses•The extruder is portable and can be adapted to cores of any diameter.•The extruder can be outfitted with an optional novel mechanism for attaching a glove bag to allow for anaerobic processing, and testing demonstrates that reduced iron is maintained in the dissolved state.