Underground water system biological membrane in-situ sampling device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of underground water science and engineering, in particular to an in-situ sampling device for a biological membrane of an underground water system. The in-situ sampling device for the biological membrane of the underground water system comprises a connecting rope, a biological membrane enrichment assembly and a balancing weight, and the tail end of the connecting rope is connected with the balancing weight. And the biological membrane enrichment assembly is connected in series on the connecting rope. The balancing weight is configured to maintain a stable state of the connecting rope in the subterranean well by using self weight. And the biological membrane enrichment assembly comprises a collection unit. The multiple collecting units are linearly arranged in the extending direction of the connecting rope. The collecting unit comprises a collector. And a plurality of collectors are bound on the connecting rope. And the shell of the collector is provided with an opening. And an inner cavity of the collector is filled with an adhesion matrix. The attachment matrix is configured to provide an attachment surface for the biofilm using the porous structure. The in-situ sampling device for the biological membrane of the underground water system has the characteristics of multi-depth adaptability, sample preservation and high enrichment efficiency, and meets the precision requirement of underground water environment monitoring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of groundwater science and engineering, specifically to an in-situ sampling device for biofilm in groundwater systems. Background Technology

[0002] Groundwater, as a vital water resource, directly impacts drinking water safety, agricultural production, and industrial water supply. However, with rapid industrialization and urbanization, groundwater pollution has become increasingly prominent. Pollutants continuously migrate and spread through the "surface-vadose zone-aquifer" system, posing a serious threat to the sustainable use of water resources. Against this backdrop, conducting accurate groundwater environmental monitoring is of great significance for pollution prevention and control and water quality management, and the reliability of sampling techniques directly determines the accuracy of monitoring data.

[0003] Microorganisms, as important indicator organisms of groundwater ecosystems, can sensitively reflect the state of water pollution through their community structure and functional activity. Groundwater biofilms refer to microbial aggregates composed of microorganisms and their secreted extracellular polymers that adhere to solid surfaces in the groundwater environment, such as well walls and aquifer particles. Groundwater biofilms not only participate in key ecological processes such as pollutant degradation and element cycling, but their excessive growth can also lead to problems such as well blockage, reduced water output efficiency, and water quality deterioration. By sampling and analyzing groundwater biofilms, we can gain a deeper understanding of the biogeochemical mechanisms involved by microorganisms, providing a scientific basis for groundwater environmental protection.

[0004] Currently, groundwater biofilm sampling faces significant technical bottlenecks: First, groundwater wells have complex and diverse structures, with diameters ranging from 50mm to 500mm and depths from 10m to 500m. Traditional scraping methods can only obtain biofilm samples from the shallow surface of the well, i.e., biofilm samples with a depth of less than 5m, and it is difficult to obtain samples from different depths simultaneously in a single scraping operation. Second, there is a serious risk of cross-contamination during the sampling process, leading to significant discrepancies between laboratory analysis results and actual conditions. Furthermore, existing devices cannot achieve efficient in-situ biofilm collection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model proposes an in-situ sampling device for biofilm in groundwater system, including a connecting rope, a biofilm enrichment component and a counterweight.

[0006] The end of the connecting rope is connected to the counterweight, the biofilm enrichment component is connected in series on the connecting rope, and the counterweight is configured to maintain the stability of the connecting rope in the underground well by its own weight.

[0007] The biofilm enrichment component includes collection units, and multiple collection units are arranged linearly along the extension direction of the connecting rope.

[0008] The collection unit includes a collector, multiple collectors are tied to a connecting rope, the housing of the collector is provided with an opening, and the internal cavity of the collector is filled with an attachment matrix;

[0009] The attachment matrix is ​​configured to provide an attachment surface for biofilms using a porous structure.

[0010] Preferably, the attachment substrate includes natural substrates and artificial substrates. The natural substrate is configured to provide an attachment surface for biofilm collection using gravel and clastic rocks, while the artificial substrate is configured to provide an attachment surface for biofilm collection using frosted glass beads, polyurethane sponges, and porous ceramic particles.

[0011] Preferably, the collector is secured to the connecting rope with cable ties.

[0012] Preferably, the collector is provided with an opening and closing structure, which is configured to open or close the internal cavity.

[0013] Preferably, each collection unit is equipped with three collectors, which are arranged in a linear array along the extension direction of the connecting rope.

[0014] Preferably, the collector has a spherical structure with a diameter of 50mm-60mm.

[0015] Preferably, the counterweight is a lead weight, which is tied to the end of the connecting rope.

[0016] Preferably, depth markings are provided on the side wall of the connecting rope.

[0017] Compared with existing technologies, the in-situ biofilm sampling device for groundwater systems provided by this utility model has the following substantial features and advancements: This device utilizes multiple collection units of the biofilm enrichment component arranged linearly along the extension direction of the connecting rope. This facilitates simultaneous collection of biofilms from different depths or regions on the same connecting rope, avoiding time waste and interference with the groundwater environment caused by repeated operations. It also facilitates obtaining more comprehensive vertical profile biofilm data, improving the spatial representativeness of the sampling. Furthermore, the attachment matrix filling the internal cavity of the collector utilizes a porous structure to provide abundant attachment surface for the biofilm, significantly increasing the attachment area and types of biofilms, improving enrichment efficiency, and enabling the adsorption of more microorganisms and metabolites. This allows the sampling results to better reflect the true composition and distribution of biofilms in the groundwater system. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an in-situ sampling device for biofilm in a groundwater system according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the collector in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a front view of an in-situ sampling device for biofilm in a groundwater system according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Side view.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Top view.

[0023] Reference numerals: 1. Connecting rope; 2. Collector; 3. Cable tie; 4. Attachment substrate; 5. Counterweight; 21. Opening; 22. Opening and closing structure; 41. Polyurethane foam; 42. Frosted glass bead. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The specific embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] This invention proposes an in-situ sampling device for biofilm in groundwater systems, aiming to develop a novel groundwater biofilm sampling device with multi-depth adaptability, sample preservation, and high enrichment efficiency to meet the precision requirements of groundwater environmental monitoring.

[0026] This invention discloses a compact, portable, and low-cost in-situ biofilm sampling device for groundwater systems, suitable for on-site monitoring of groundwater biofilms. The device utilizes a connecting rope to flexibly control the sampling depth, and multiple collection units within the biofilm enrichment component simultaneously collect samples from different depths. The attachment matrix filling the internal cavity of the collector employs a porous structure to provide abundant attachment surface for the biofilm, significantly increasing the specific surface area and thus the attachment area and types of biofilm, thereby significantly improving the biofilm enrichment efficiency. Furthermore, the collector's compact size allows for flexible selection based on well diameter conditions, ensuring the integrity of the collected biofilm. Example

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, an in-situ biofilm sampling device for a groundwater system includes a connecting rope 1, a biofilm enrichment component, and a counterweight 5. The end of the connecting rope 1 is connected to the counterweight 5. The biofilm enrichment component is connected in series with the connecting rope 1. The counterweight 5 is configured to maintain the stability of the connecting rope 1 in the underground well using its own weight. The biofilm enrichment component includes collection units, and multiple collection units are arranged linearly along the extension direction of the connecting rope 1.

[0028] like Figure 2As shown, the collection unit includes collectors 2. Multiple collectors 2 are tied to connecting ropes 1. Openings 21 are provided on the shell of the collector 2. The internal cavity of the collector 2 is filled with an attachment matrix 4. The attachment matrix 4 is configured to provide an attachment surface for the biofilm using a porous structure.

[0029] Among them, the attached matrix 4 includes natural matrix and artificial matrix. Gravel and clastic rock, as natural matrix, have mineral composition and surface roughness similar to the original medium of the groundwater aquifer. This can reduce the stress response of biofilm during the enrichment process, allowing it to grow and reproduce under conditions close to the original environment, thus more realistically reflecting the natural composition of the microbial community in the groundwater system.

[0030] The natural matrix was constructed to provide an attachment surface for biofilm collection using gravel and clastic rocks. The artificial matrix was constructed to provide an attachment surface for biofilm collection using frosted glass beads 42, polyurethane sponge 41, and porous ceramic particles. The natural-artificial dual-system design of the attachment matrix 4 overcomes the limitations of traditional single-matrix methods in microbial diversity capture, environmental adaptability, and application economy by simulating natural ecology, enhancing functional targeting, adapting to complex scenarios, and optimizing cost-efficiency.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, collector 2 is secured to connecting rope 1 by cable ties 3. The cable ties 3 do not require specialized tools (such as screwdrivers or welding machines); operators can manually secure collector 2 to connecting rope 1, and the installation time for a single collector 2 can be controlled within 30 seconds. When a collector 2 is damaged or the substrate fails, it can be easily removed and replaced by cutting the corresponding cable tie 3, without requiring the entire recycling device or damage to other units.

[0032] like Figure 3 Combination Figure 4 As shown, collector 2 is equipped with an opening and closing structure 22. Collector 2 is configured to open or close its internal cavity using the opening and closing structure 22. This design facilitates opening the internal cavity of collector 2, allowing direct removal of the expired substrate 4 and replacement with new substrate 4, enabling collector 2 to be reused more than 50 times. Taking annual monitoring as an example, 100 sampling points can save more than 70% of consumable costs, making it particularly suitable for cost control in long-term ecological monitoring networks.

[0033] For example, the opening and closing structure 22 can be a hinge connection structure or a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0034] like Figure 4As shown, each collection unit has three collectors 2, arranged in a linear array along the extension direction of the connecting rope 1. This linear array reduces sampling bias caused by occasional factors such as localized water flow disturbances and substrate blockage through data redundancy among multiple collectors 2 within the same unit. For example, if one collector 2 is obstructed by excessive biofilm growth on the well wall, adjacent collectors 2 can still provide valid data, ensuring the reliability of the monitoring results. Statistics show that the standard deviation of the three-collector 2 array is reduced by 40%-60% compared to a single collector 2, significantly improving data reliability.

[0035] like Figure 4 Combination Figure 5 As shown, collector 2 has a spherical structure with a diameter of 50mm-60mm. The surface of the sphere is free of sharp edges and gaps, reducing the entanglement and accumulation of suspended impurities in groundwater (such as plant root fragments and iron-manganese oxide colloids). The 50mm-60mm diameter is suitable for most groundwater monitoring wells, especially in small wells (such as 63mm diameter PVC monitoring wells), where the spherical collector 2 achieves 100% passability. Example

[0036] Based on Example 1, the connecting rope 1 in the in-situ sampling device for biofilm in the groundwater system proposed in Example 2 is made of nylon rope, and the nylon rope is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant nylon material with a diameter of 4mm. The collector 2 is a porous, permeable polypropylene sphere with a diameter of 60mm, and connecting holes are provided at the top and bottom to connect with two sections of nylon rope. The three adjacent collectors 2 are tightly connected by corrosion-resistant plastic cable ties 3.

[0037] Each collector 2 is filled with equal amounts of natural gravel, clastic rock / artificial frosted glass beads 42, hydrophilic (polyurethane) sponge, and porous ceramsite, which have been sterilized at 121°C for 20 minutes.

[0038] The bottom of the in-situ biofilm sampling device for the groundwater system is connected to a 2kg lead weight as a counterweight 5 via a nylon rope to ensure that the device remains vertically stable in the water.

[0039] When using the device, first assemble it: put the sterilized attachment substrate 4 into the sterilized collector 2; use cable ties 3 to tightly connect each collector 2 in sequence to ensure a firm connection; connect the top nylon rope to the first collector 2, and the bottom nylon rope to the end collector 2 and the counterweight 5; finally, check the firmness of each connection point.

[0040] During actual sampling, after selecting the target sampling point, the device is slowly lowered to the predetermined depth, and a depth mark is made on the rope. The device is kept vertical by using a plumb bob; the sampling cycle is set to 10-15 days according to research needs; after sampling, the device is raised at a constant speed to avoid violent shaking that could cause the biofilm to detach, and the sampling depth can be measured from the marked point on the rope to the center of collector 2.

[0041] Compared with the prior art, the in-situ biofilm sampling device for groundwater systems provided by this utility model has the following advantages: the modular design allows for flexible adjustment of the sampling depth as needed, and different depth requirements can be met by increasing or decreasing the number of collectors 2 or the length of the rope; the use of artificially synthesized porous matrix improves the biofilm adhesion efficiency by about 70% compared with traditional methods; the overall structure is simple, and the cost of a single collector 2 is about 0.3 yuan, which has significant economic advantages.

[0042] For example, in a groundwater monitoring well (30 meters deep) in the middle Yangtze River Basin-Jianghan Plain, this device successfully obtained three complete biofilm samples at different depths, providing a reliable technical means for studying the vertical distribution characteristics of microorganisms in the biofilm of the groundwater system.

[0043] According to some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the collectors 2 are connected as follows: the diameter of the connection holes at the top and bottom of each collector 2 is 6mm, and they are fixed with cable ties 3 to ensure that the connection strength can withstand a 10kg pull. Specifically, during connection, the cable ties 33 are first passed through the connection holes of adjacent collectors 2, tightened, and the excess is cut off to make the connection neat and secure. Three spheres can be tightly connected in series at the same depth to achieve three repetitions. Sampling at different depths can be achieved by connecting the spheres with nylon ropes of appropriate length.

[0044] When using the in-situ biofilm sampling device for groundwater systems proposed in this embodiment, for example, in the sampling process of a monitoring well (40 meters deep) (three replicates at three different depths, spaced 1m apart): First, the nine collectors 2 are tightly connected in series with three balls each using cable ties 3, resulting in three groups of connected balls. Different groups are connected by 1m ropes. Then, the top and bottom balls are connected with a nylon rope of a certain length, with a weight added to the bottom rope. The device is slowly lowered to the target depth, a process that takes 8 minutes. After securing the top nylon rope, in-situ incubation is performed for 15 days. After sampling, the device is lifted at a constant speed, a process that takes 10 minutes. Finally, the samples are processed under aseptic conditions to obtain biofilm samples at three different depths, with three replicates at each depth.

[0045] The in-situ sampling device for biofilm in groundwater systems proposed in this embodiment can be adjusted as follows according to actual needs: 1) The spacing between collectors can be adjusted as needed; 2) In addition to natural gravel, clastic rock / artificial frosted glass beads, hydrophilic (polyurethane) sponge, and porous ceramsite, different material combinations such as activated carbon, zeolite, and ceramics can also be selected for the matrix type; 3) The diameter of the collector can be adjusted according to the well diameter.

[0046] This utility model is not limited to the specific technical solutions described in the above embodiments. Besides the above embodiments, this utility model may have other implementation methods. For those skilled in the art, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An in-situ sampling device for biofilm in groundwater systems, characterized in that, Includes connecting rope (1), biofilm enrichment component and counterweight (5); The end of the connecting rope (1) is connected to the counterweight (5), the biofilm enrichment component is connected in series on the connecting rope (1), and the counterweight (5) is configured to maintain the stability of the connecting rope (1) in the underground well by its own weight. The biofilm enrichment component includes collection units, and multiple collection units are arranged linearly along the extension direction of the connecting rope (1). The collection unit includes a collector (2), multiple collectors (2) are tied to a connecting rope (1), the housing of the collector (2) is provided with an opening (21), and the internal cavity of the collector (2) is filled with an attachment matrix (4). The attachment matrix (4) is configured to provide an attachment surface for biofilms using a porous structure.

2. The in-situ sampling device for biofilm in groundwater systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The attachment matrix (4) includes a natural matrix and an artificial matrix. The natural matrix is ​​configured to provide an attachment surface for biofilm collection using gravel and clastic rocks, and the artificial matrix is ​​configured to provide an attachment surface for biofilm collection using frosted glass beads (42), polyurethane sponge (41) and porous ceramic particles.

3. The in-situ sampling device for biofilm in groundwater systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collector (2) is tied to the connecting rope (1) by cable ties (3).

4. The in-situ sampling device for biofilm in groundwater systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collector (2) is provided with an opening and closing structure (22), which is configured to open or close the internal cavity using the opening and closing structure (22).

5. A groundwater system biofilm in-situ sampling device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Each collection unit is equipped with 3 collectors (2), and the 3 collectors (2) are arranged in a linear array along the extension direction of the connecting rope (1).

6. The in-situ sampling device for biofilm in a groundwater system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The collector (2) is a spherical structure with a diameter of 50mm-60mm.

7. The in-situ sampling device for biofilm in groundwater systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, The counterweight (5) is a lead weight, which is tied to the end of the connecting rope (1).

8. The in-situ sampling device for biofilm in groundwater systems according to claim 1, characterized in that, Depth marks are provided on the side wall of the connecting rope (1).

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