Micro-zone Soil Sampling Apparatus for Contamination Gradients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current research lacks effective methods for simulating and sampling soil micro-zones under different contamination scenarios and rainfall conditions, failing to accurately analyze pollutant concentration gradients and their effects on soil physicochemical properties and microorganisms at the millimeter scale.
Innovation Solution
A micro-zone soil sampling apparatus comprising a cylinder with vertically arranged circular separators, each divided into hollow spaces by inner and outer rings, equipped with a soil-bearing net, allowing for millimeter-scale sampling in both vertical and horizontal directions, and a method involving pre-treatment, pollutant addition, and simulated rainfall to mimic various contamination types and rainfall levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional soil sampling methods are used, then sampling can be performed, but millimeter-scale micro-zone differentiation in both vertical and horizontal directions cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device divides the soil sample collection into multiple circular separators stacked vertically, with each separator containing multiple hollow spaces for horizontal zonation. This segmentation enables independent sampling of different micro-zones both vertically (different soil layers) and horizontally (different radial distances from contamination source), achieving millimeter-scale precision without requiring an overly complex monolithic structure
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs nested circular separators where each separator contains multiple hollow spaces arranged concentrically. The inner rings and outer rings create nested hollow spaces that can be filled with different soil samples. This nested structure allows simultaneous sampling of multiple micro-zones within a compact cylindrical framework, achieving high-resolution spatial differentiation while maintaining device compactness
2Measurement precision
If existing simulators are used, then soil sampling can be performed, but simultaneous millimeter-scale simulation and sampling in both vertical and horizontal directions cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The circular separator design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for vertical stacking, creates horizontal zonation through concentric hollow spaces, enables differential sampling of contaminated and non-contaminated zones, and allows adaptation to various contamination scenarios (surface contamination, subsurface contamination, point source, diffuse source). The same basic structure can simulate different contamination patterns by varying the filling configuration of hollow spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies local quality by allowing different hollow spaces to be filled with different soil samples having distinct contamination levels and properties. Each hollow space can represent a specific micro-zone with unique characteristics (e.g., high contamination concentration near the center, lower concentration at peripheral zones). This enables the simulator to represent spatial heterogeneity of contaminated sites while maintaining a unified structural framework
3Loss of information
If traditional sampling methods are used, then bulk soil samples can be collected, but pollutant concentration gradients in micro-zones cannot be analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts spatial distribution information from bulk soil samples by separating them into distinct micro-zone compartments. Each hollow space within the circular separators acts as an extraction unit that isolates soil from specific spatial zones (different radial distances, different depths). This extraction process preserves the spatial gradient information of pollutants that would otherwise be mixed and lost in conventional bulk sampling, while the modular separator design maintains sampling efficiency through standardized removable components
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-zone soil sampling apparatus and method for different contamination situations. The apparatus includes an uncovered cylinder and a plurality of circular separators. The circular separators are vertically arranged in a hollow inner cavity of the uncovered cylinder, and are removably connected to an inner wall of the uncovered cylinder. Each circular separator includes a plurality of inner rings arranged coaxially, an outer ring coaxially arranged outside the inner rings, and a soil-bearing net. Each circular separator is divided into multiple hollow spaces by the inner rings and the outer ring. The inner rings made of a permeable membrane material and the outer ring made of a rigid material both have a certain thickness. The soil-bearing net is fittedly fixed on a bottom of each circular separator. A plurality of spokes passing through a center of the soil-bearing net are fixedly arranged on the soil-bearing net.