Flow-through column weathering experiments

Knowledge graph centered on Flow-through column weathering experiments with 13 nodes and 26 connections. Top connected: Bacteria, biogeochemical heterogeneity, shale weathering, chemostatic behavior, contact metamorphism.

Method synopsis

Laboratory column experiments using synthetic rainwater to quantify steady-state solute release rates from crushed rock samples. Samples are wet-packed in vertical columns and synthetic rainwater is pumped through at controlled flow rates while effluent chemistry is monitored over time.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 1 paper using this protocol.

Procedure as described in the canonical source

Steps below were extracted from the paper that introduces this protocol — Contact Metamorphism of the Mancos Shale: Impacts on Solute Release and Weatherability in the East River Valley, Gothic, CO (2018). Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Column construction and setup
   Clear acrylic polycarbonate columns with internal diameter of 5.08 cm were used. Initial columns were 0.6 meters in length, later reduced to 0.3 meters to reduce sample sizes and water volumes. Column bases were constructed using PVC tubing caps and quartz fritted discs were placed at bottom and top to disperse flow and filter fine material. Columns were mounted vertically on ring stands and shielded from sunlight to minimize temperature fluctuations.
   Quantities: Internal diameter 5.08 cm, length 0.3-0.6 metersDuration: Not specified for setupConditions: Ambient temperature ~20°C, shielded from sunlight
   Equipment: clear acrylic polycarbonate columns, PVC tubing caps, quartz fritted discs, ring stands, shields
2. Synthetic rainwater preparation
   Input fluid comprised synthetic rainwater composition with conductivity ranging from 20-25 μS/cm and pH ranging from 5.4 to 5.6. Inorganic salts were added per 1 liter of DI water: NaNO3 (4.07 mg/L), KCl (0.35 mg/L), CaCl2•2H2O (3.24 mg/L), MgSO4•7H2O (2.98 mg/L), (NH4)SO4 (2.41 mg/L). Sodium azide at 0.05% by volume was added to prevent bacterial growth.
   Quantities: Specific salt concentrations as listed, 0.05% sodium azide by volumeDuration: Prepared for each experimental runConditions: Room temperature preparation
   Equipment: balance for salt measurements, mixing containers
3. Column packing

Typical Equipment

• Fisher Scientific FH100 peristaltic pump
• clear acrylic polycarbonate columns
• Thermo Scientific All-Purpose Tubing size 14

Output Measurements

• steady state solute release rates
• effluent chemistry time series
• mass normalized release rates

Papers Using This Protocol (1)

Species Studied With This Protocol