A culture device for microplastic exposure experiments

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the micro plastic exposure experiment technical field, concretely relates to a kind of culture device for micro plastic exposure experiment, including box, the box top is provided with box cover, the box bottom is fixedly connected with support, the box inner chamber bottom is provided with bearing plate, the bearing plate top is fixedly connected with multiple stand, the stand is hollow structure, heating pipe is installed in the stand inner wall, the stand side wall is provided with first flow guide component and second flow guide component.The first flow guide component includes the first flow guide channel being opened in the stand inside near edge, the stand top end face is equipped with atomizing nozzle, the bearing plate inside is opened with first shunt groove.The utility model can select different humidification mode according to the culture demand, adapts the scene requirement of different micro plastic exposure experiment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of microplastic exposure experiment technology, specifically relating to a culture device for microplastic exposure experiments. Background Technology

[0002] In microplastic exposure experiments in the field of environmental science, soil moisture is a key environmental parameter affecting the migration, transformation and biological effects of microplastics. The experimental process requires maintaining stable and controllable soil moisture conditions over a long period of time to ensure the accuracy and reliability of experimental data.

[0003] In recent years, plastic materials have been widely used in various fields such as daily life and industrial production due to their excellent chemical stability, wide applicability, and low cost. However, with the large-scale production and consumption of plastics, microplastic (MP) pollution has become increasingly prominent, causing significant impacts on the ecological environment. Polyethylene (PE), as one of the main types of plastics, has gradually become a focus of research attention due to its potential harm to soil ecosystems, especially to soil animals (such as earthworms). Earthworms, as indicator organisms that can assess soil health, provide necessary data support for analyzing whether PE microplastics (PE) will have long-term effects on soil by studying the effects of PE microplastic concentration and particle size on earthworm growth rate, mortality rate, and reproductive performance, as well as the structure and function of the earthworm gut microbiota and the gut ecological environment.

[0004] In studies investigating the ecotoxicological effects of polyethylene microplastics on earthworms, maintaining a stable, controllable, and natural experimental environment is crucial. Earthworms, as "ecosystem engineers" in the soil, are extremely sensitive to changes in environmental parameters due to their behaviors (such as vertical migration, photophobia, respiration through the skin, and osmotic regulation). Existing culture devices suffer from the following problems: 1. Conventional top-spray humidification instantly alters the physical structure of the soil surface and creates short-term water-saturated zones. This may repel earthworms, which prefer stable humidity, forcing them to migrate downwards unconventionally, thus disrupting their natural vertical distribution behavior. Simultaneously, drastic humidity fluctuations stress the osmotic regulation function of earthworms through their skin, affecting the realism of the experiment. Meanwhile, bottom infiltration alone is insufficient to simulate natural rainfall or soil capillary action, failing to create an ideal humidity gradient in the soil profile.

[0005] 2. Earthworms move vertically in the soil diurnalally and seasonally, depending on temperature, humidity, and food availability. Existing devices are mostly homogeneous environments, which cannot simulate the soil profile environment under these natural conditions (such as a slightly dry surface layer and a moist deeper layer), thus making it impossible to study changes in earthworm behavior patterns under microplastic exposure.

[0006] 3. Frequent manual opening of the lid to check and replenish moisture will introduce light, vibration and drastic changes in temperature and humidity. These will continuously disturb earthworms, which have strong photophobia and stress response, affecting their growth, reproduction and other core toxicological observation indicators, leading to distorted experimental data.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a cultivation device that can fully respect and adapt to the core biological characteristics of earthworms, simulate a more natural soil environment, and minimize human interference. Utility Model Content

[0008] To solve the above problems, this invention provides a culture device for microplastic exposure experiments.

[0009] The specific technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A culture device for microplastic exposure experiments includes a box body with a lid on the top and a support fixedly connected to the bottom. A support plate is provided on the bottom surface of the inner cavity of the box body, and multiple columns are fixedly connected to the top surface of the support plate. The columns are hollow and heating tubes are installed on the inner wall of the columns. A first flow guiding component and a second flow guiding component are provided on the side wall of the columns.

[0010] Furthermore, the first flow guiding component includes a first flow guiding channel opened inside the column near the edge, an atomizing nozzle is mounted on the top end face of the column, a first flow dividing groove is opened inside the support plate, the first flow guiding channel is connected to the first flow dividing groove, and a first connector is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the support plate, the first connector is connected to the first flow dividing groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the second flow guiding component includes a second flow guiding channel opened inside the column, the side wall of the second flow guiding channel is provided with a plurality of water outlet holes, the bearing plate is provided with a second diversion groove, the second flow guiding channel is connected to the second diversion groove, and a second connector is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the bearing plate, the second connector is connected to the second diversion groove.

[0012] Furthermore, a permeable membrane is fixedly connected to the sidewall of each water outlet.

[0013] Furthermore, the cross-section of the second flow channel is C-shaped.

[0014] Furthermore, a perforated plate is fixedly connected to the top surface of the box cover, and a cover plate is provided on the upper side of the perforated plate.

[0015] The technical effects achieved by this utility model are as follows: Users can freely select or combine two humidification modes according to the experimental purpose, thereby actively constructing different soil moisture profiles within the chamber, such as "dry at the top and wet at the bottom" and "uniformly moist throughout". Researchers can accurately study the vertical distribution patterns, escape behaviors, or stress responses of earthworms based on their instinctive humidity preferences under different microplastic exposure conditions, providing an unprecedented behavioral observation dimension for ecotoxicological assessment.

[0016] This significantly reduces human interference with experimental organisms, ensuring earthworms are in a near-natural state. This results in more accurate and reliable core toxicological data, such as mortality rate, growth rate, and reproductive performance. It provides a stable, controllable, and highly realistic culture environment for long-term, refined microplastic exposure experiments, significantly improving the accuracy and repeatability of the experiments.

[0017] This invention provides two selectable humidification paths that conform to natural laws by simulating the moisture profile of natural soil, precisely adapting to earthworms' moisture preferences and vertical migration behavior. Simultaneously, the device integrates heating, humidification, and structural support into the ecological column, providing a non-invasive environmental control and observation solution. This effectively avoids the stress disturbance to earthworms caused by the single humidification method and frequent human intervention in traditional devices, thus providing technical support for obtaining more realistic and reliable microplastic ecotoxicological data. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the bearing plate of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the column of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the column of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box cover of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the column of this utility model; Figure 8 This is a utility model Figure 5 Enlarged view of point A in the image.

[0019] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 1. Box body; 2. Box cover; 3. Bracket; 4. Support plate; 5. Column; 6. Heating tube; 7. First flow channel; 8. Atomizing nozzle; 9. First diversion channel; 10. Second flow channel; 11. Water outlet; 12. Second diversion channel; 13. First connector; 14. Second connector; 15. Water-permeable membrane; 16. Perforated plate; 17. Cover plate; 18. Handle. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the following text is merely used to describe one or more specific embodiments of this utility model and does not strictly limit the scope of protection specifically claimed by this utility model.

[0021] Specific implementation method one: as follows Figures 1-8 As shown, a culture device for microplastic exposure experiments includes a box 1 with a lid 2 on top. Both the box 1 and the lid 2 are made of transparent acrylic material to facilitate observation of the degradation state of microplastics inside the box 1 during the culture process and to facilitate recording experimental data. A support 3 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the box 1, and a support plate 4 is provided on the bottom surface of the inner cavity of the box 1. Multiple columns 5 are fixedly connected to the top surface of the support plate 4. The columns 5 are hollow structures, and heating pipes 6 are installed on the inner wall of the columns 5. The heating pipes 6 can dry the soil and heat the columns 5. When water flows through the first guide channel 7 or the second guide channel 10, the water is heated to simulate the hot and humid state of microplastics in the soil. The side walls of the columns 5 are provided with a first guide component and a second guide component.

[0022] The housing 1 is equipped with a soil moisture sensor and a temperature sensor, and a controller (not shown in the figure) is installed on the outer wall of the housing 1. The controller is used to monitor the soil moisture status information in real time and provide timely feedback to the controller, so as to automatically maintain the soil moisture and temperature and improve the level of automation and intelligence.

[0023] like Figure 5 and Figure 8As shown, the first flow guiding component includes a first flow guiding channel 7 located inside the column 5 near its edge. An atomizing nozzle 8 is mounted on the top end face of the column 5. A first diversion groove 9 is formed inside the support plate 4. The first flow guiding channel 7 is connected to the first diversion groove 9. A first connector 13 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the support plate 4, and the first connector 13 is connected to the first diversion groove 9. This structure establishes a top-down spray humidification path: this path is specifically composed of the first connector, the first diversion groove, the first flow guiding channel, and the atomizing nozzle connected in sequence. External water is injected into the first diversion groove inside the support plate through the first connector, then evenly distributed to the first flow guiding channels inside each column, and finally sprayed out by the atomizing nozzle at the top of the column. This method simulates natural rainfall or condensation, achieving gentle humidification of the soil surface to the middle layer.

[0024] like Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the second flow guiding component includes a second flow guiding channel 10 inside the column 5, with several water outlet holes 11 on the side wall of the second flow guiding channel 10. A second diversion groove 12 is formed inside the support plate 4, and the second flow guiding channel 10 is connected to the second diversion groove 12. A second connector 14 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the support plate 4, and the second connector 14 is connected to the second diversion groove 12. The above structure establishes a capillary infiltration pathway from bottom to top / radially: this pathway is specifically composed of the second connector, the second diversion groove, the second flow guiding channel, and the water outlet holes connected in sequence. External water is injected into the second diversion groove inside the support plate through the second connector, and then evenly distributed to the second flow guiding channel with a C-shaped cross-section inside each column. The water flows through multiple water outlet holes on the side wall and slowly and evenly seeps radially through the permeable membrane. This method simulates soil capillary action and groundwater recharge, focusing on maintaining a moist environment in the middle and lower layers of the soil.

[0025] Among them, the bearing plate 4 is fixedly connected to the side with a sealing ring, which abuts against the inner wall of the box 1 to increase the sealing performance and prevent the loss of moisture in the soil; In addition, the bottom of the housing 1 is provided with through holes corresponding to the first connector 13 and the second connector 14.

[0026] Users can freely select or combine two humidification modes according to the experimental purpose, thereby actively constructing different soil moisture profiles such as "dry at the top and wet at the bottom" and "uniformly moist throughout" within the chamber. This allows researchers to accurately study the vertical distribution patterns, escape behaviors, or stress responses of earthworms based on their instinctive humidity preferences under different microplastic exposure conditions, providing an unprecedented behavioral observation dimension for ecotoxicological assessment.

[0027] Specific Implementation Method Two: Based on Specific Implementation Method One, such as... Figure 7As shown, a permeable membrane 15 is fixedly connected to the sidewalls of the water outlet 11. The permeable membrane 15 not only does not affect water flow but also shields the soil, preventing it from entering the second flow channel 10 through the water outlet 11. By precisely controlling the water infiltration rate, it effectively prevents the formation of localized anaerobic flooding zones around the column, ensuring air gaps between soil aggregates and guaranteeing the efficient respiration of earthworms relying on their skin.

[0028] Specific Implementation Method Three: Based on Specific Implementation Method One, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the second flow channel 10 has a C-shaped cross-section. This increases the water outlet range of the outlet hole 11 and provides a solid support surface for earthworms to move around the column, forming a micro-behavioral niche that can be observed.

[0029] Specific Implementation Method Four: Based on Specific Implementation Method One, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, a perforated plate 16 is fixedly connected to the top surface of the box cover 2, and a cover plate 17 is provided on the upper side of the perforated plate 16. This constitutes a non-invasive ventilation and regulation system. Experimenters can adjust the air permeability inside the box by moving the cover plate without opening the main box cover, thereby maximizing the maintenance of a dark and stable microclimate inside the box and avoiding stress disturbances to earthworms caused by light, vibration, and drastic changes in temperature and humidity introduced by opening the lid for inspection.

[0030] Two handles 18 are fixedly connected to the top surface of the lid 2. The handles 18 facilitate the removal and placement of the lid 2, increasing the force points on the lid 2.

[0031] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: When in use, the support plate 4 is first placed at the bottom of the box 1, so that the first connector 13 and the second connector 14 extend to the bottom of the box 1 and are connected to the external water pipe. Then, the soil is filled into the box 1 and microplastics are buried in the soil. When it is necessary to spray the soil to keep it moist, water is injected into the first diversion channel 9 through the external water pipe. The water flows into the first guide channel 7 through the first diversion channel 9 and then sprays out from the atomizing nozzle 8 to spray and humidify the soil. When it is necessary to wet the soil, water is injected into the second diversion tank 12 through the external water pipe. The water flows from the second diversion tank 12 into the second guide channel 10 and then sprays out from the water outlet 11 to directly wet the soil. Different humidification effects can be simulated according to experimental needs. In addition, soil drying or water heating can be performed by controlling the heating temperature of the heating tube 6.

[0032] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model. Structures, devices, and operating methods not specifically described or explained in this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, shall be implemented using conventional methods in the field.

Claims

1. A culture device for microplastic exposure experiments, characterized in that: The box includes a housing (1), a lid (2) on the top of the housing (1), a bracket (3) fixedly connected to the bottom of the housing (1), a bearing plate (4) on the bottom surface of the inner cavity of the housing (1), and multiple columns (5) fixedly connected to the top surface of the bearing plate (4). The columns (5) are hollow structures, heating pipes (6) are installed on the inner wall of the columns (5), and a first flow guide component and a second flow guide component are provided on the side wall of the columns (5).

2. The culture device for microplastic exposure experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first flow guiding component includes a first flow guiding channel (7) opened inside the column (5) near the edge. The top end face of the column (5) is equipped with an atomizing nozzle (8). The support plate (4) has a first diversion groove (9) inside. The first flow guiding channel (7) is connected to the first diversion groove (9). The bottom surface of the support plate (4) is fixedly connected to a first connector (13), which is connected to the first diversion groove (9).

3. The culture device for microplastic exposure experiment according to claim 1, wherein: The second flow guiding component includes a second flow guiding channel (10) opened inside the column (5), and a number of water outlet holes (11) are opened on the side wall of the second flow guiding channel (10). A second diversion groove (12) is opened inside the bearing plate (4). The second flow guiding channel (10) is connected to the second diversion groove (12). A second connector (14) is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the bearing plate (4). The second connector (14) is connected to the second diversion groove (12).

4. The culture device for microplastic exposure experiments according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sidewalls of the water outlet (11) are all fixedly connected with a permeable membrane (15).

5. A culture device for microplastic exposure experiments according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second flow channel (10) has a C-shaped cross-section.

6. The culture device for microplastic exposure experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top surface of the box cover (2) is fixedly connected to a perforated plate (16), and a cover plate (17) is provided on the upper side of the perforated plate (16).

Images