Benthic chambers or benthic flux chambers as they are also
known are cylindrical devices usually made of durable acrylic, with an open
bottom. The upper closed end usually features
a motor as well as ports to allow sampling of the water inside the benthic
chamber.
To operate, the benthic flux chamber
is lowered into the water and placed vertically on the sediment. This isolates a column of water and the
sediment below the water inside the chamber, allowing the researcher to monitor
and analyze this ‘captive’ water column and sediment for as long as is
necessary, from days to weeks or even months.
With the benthic flux chamber in place, the researcher can
measure the benthic flux or exchange of substances (e.g. oxygen, carbon
dioxide, metals, hydrocarbons) between the sediment and the water in contact
with it inside the chamber. To learn more, click here.
