A method for time-resolved calorespirometry of terrestrial samples.

Summary, in English

A new vessel for simultaneous isothermal calorimetry and respirometry (calorespirometry) on terrestrial (non-aqueous) samples has been developed. All types of small (<1g) biological samples (insects, soil, leaves, fungi, etc.) can be studied. The respirometric measurements are made by opening and closing a valve to a vial inside the sample ampoule containing a carbon dioxide absorbent. Typically a 7h measurement results in seven measurements of heat production rate, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production, which can be used to evaluate how the metabolic activity in a sample changes over time. Results from three experiments on leaves, a cut vegetable, and mold are given. As uncertainties - especially in the carbon dioxide production - tend to be quite high, improvements to the technique are also discussed.

• Author: Lars Wadsö
• Department/s: Division of Building Materials
• Publishing year: 2015
• Language: English
• Pages: 20-26
• Publication/Series: Methods
• Volume: 76
• Issue: Online 23 October 2014
• Links: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ymeth.2014.10.001
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Topic: Materials Engineering
• Status: Published
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 1095-9130