Two-compartment cells for scenario analyses
SOFIE® cells come in two kinds: as a one-compartment and as a two-compartment cell.
The two-compartment cell, which has two separate chambers that can be probed individually, is an excellent tool to study scenario treatments to the same undisturbed sample. Also check the Downloads for examples.
Examples of scenarios:
- Wetting / drying
- pH manipulation
- Biota and blanc
- Organism 1, 2
- Spike and blanc
- Feed / non-feed
- etc.
Flow through cells
For the incubation of test organisms, or sorbent media, small flow through cells can be used in SOFIE. This makes counting and/or sampling easier. These cells have filter membranes at both ends that can easily be replaced.
Advantages
SOFIE® has at least eight major advantages over existing methods:
- Experiments are carried out in undisturbed samples, including overlying surface water, which are taken with the body core of the cell;
- Characteristic in-situ redox conditions and gradients are maintained;
- Measurements can be carried out in 5 mm layer increments;
- The method is non-destructive to the sample, so pore water can be monitored repeatedly;
- Pore water is micro-filtrated over 0.1 um while sampling;
- Free metal ions can be isolated from solution during pore water sampling;
- Bioassays are carried out simultaneously, thereby accounting for time dynamic exposure concentrations;
- Aerobic or anaerobic conditions can be manipulated by flushing the atmospheric headspace with a gas. In this way, various oxidation or reduction scenarios can be tested.
SOFIE 2-compartment cell for scenario analyses