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The UCI Fluxtron: A versatile dynamic chamber and software system for biosphere-atmosphere exchange research
Roger Seco1, Sanjeevi Nagalingam2, Eva Joo2
1Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
Chemosphere
|August 10, 2024
Summary
The UCI Fluxtron is a cost-effective system for measuring trace gas exchange between the biosphere and atmosphere. It offers adaptable hardware and software for diverse research applications, including plants, animals, and soils.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biogeochemistry
- Atmospheric Science
Background:
- Accurate measurement of trace gas exchange is crucial for understanding biosphere-atmosphere interactions.
- Existing systems can be expensive and lack adaptability for diverse research needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the UCI Fluxtron, a novel, cost-effective dynamic gas exchange system.
- To detail the hardware, software, and materials for easy adoption by researchers.
- To demonstrate the system's adaptability for various experimental setups.
Main Methods:
- Development of a multi-enclosure dynamic gas exchange system (UCI Fluxtron).
- Implementation of hardware and software for monitoring and controlling air flow, temperature, and valve switching.
- Creation of data processing software to calculate trace gas exchange flux.
Main Results:
- The UCI Fluxtron provides adequate control for investigating biosphere-atmosphere trace gas exchange.
- Detailed component lists and software code are provided for system replication.
- The system's modular software components (Fluxtron Control and Fluxtron Process) ensure high adaptability.
Conclusions:
- The UCI Fluxtron is a versatile and accessible tool for trace gas exchange research.
- The system can be applied to a wide range of biological and material studies.
- This work facilitates the adoption of dynamic enclosure techniques in environmental research.
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