EcoZone System ME-6668
2
The unique design of the EcoZones allows the system to
remain closed, which allows for measurements to have a
minimal impact on the system. Environmental science
probes can be used to actively measure variables in the
ecosystem model. A syringe and tubing are included to
extract water for chemical testing, replenished water
without opening the system, and inject pollutants for
chamber manipulation.
Set-up and Experiment
Considerations
Before setting up the EcoZone System, there are some
things that should be taken into consideration.
Consider what you are interested in measuring. There
are nine open spaces available for sensors in the lids of
the chambers. If you intend to measure water quality
(dissolved oxygen, conductivity, etc.), consider using the
Advanced Water Quality Sensor, which supports several
different probes, instead of individual sensors.
A cotton rope is included to allow for efficient wicking of
water from the aquatic chamber to the other chambers.
Be sure that this wick covers each chamber sufficiently.
Lay the wick underneath the plants both under and over
the plants in the terrestrial chamber, for example, to
ensure that plants receive sufficient water. Use
approximately 36 inches of rope.
Caution: This wick is very efficient at moving water
through the chambers. Do not use more than one
strand, or you will deplete your aquatic chamber and
flood the other chambers. Also, it is not necessary to
completely submerge the wick in the aquatic chamber.
Only a small amount of rope at the surface is needed to
move the water. Recommendation: Test the wick first to
determine how much is needed for your situation.
Cotton rope is used for its excellent wicking ability.
However, cotton in contact with soil may decompose
over a period of weeks. You may need to check and
replace it periodically.
Equipment Set-up
Important: When carrying the EcoZone System, do NOT pick the
system up by the aquatic chamber (the heaviest chamber). Pick the
entire system up by the tray.
1. Place the three EcoChambers into the custom tray.
2. Connect the EcoChambers using the rubber
grommets as illustrated.
3. Fill each EcoChamber according to the instructions
in the lab you are performing.
4. Select the sensors and interface that you intend to
use for the experiment.
5. Place the lids onto the EcoChambers, lining up open
arches at the bottom of each lid with the rubber
connection grommets on the chambers.
6. Insert large stoppers with holes into the holes in the
lids.
7. Insert probes into the holes in the stoppers.
8. Insert small solid stoppers into unused holes in the
larger stoppers.
9. Connect the sensors to the interface.
Sensor Calibration
Calibrate sensors prior to using them in an experiment.
Refer to the documentation provided with each sensor
for calibration instructions.
Note: In most cases, sensors do not require calibration.
If, for example, you wish to measure only relative
dissolved oxygen changes, the sensor does not to be
calibrated.
Data Analysis
Graphs showing two variables changing over time are
most valuable in the EcoZones experiments because
Chambers connected with grommets
