title: A method for time-resolved calorespirometry of terrestrial samples.
abstract: A new vessel for simultaneous isothermal calorimetry and respirometry (calorespirometry) on terrestrial (non-aqueous) samples has been developed. All types of small (<1 g) biological samples (insects, soil, leaves, fungi, etc.) can be studied. The respirometric measurements are made by opening and closing a valve to a vial inside the sample ampoule containing a carbon dioxide absorbent. Typically a 7 h measurement results in seven measurements of heat production rate, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production, which can be used to evaluate how the metabolic activity in a sample changes over time. Results from three experiments on leaves, a cut vegetable, and mold are given. As uncertainties--especially in the carbon dioxide production--tend to be quite high, improvements to the technique are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Building Materials, Lund University, Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden. Electronic address: lars.wadso@byggtek.lth.se.
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wadsö
mesh_terms: D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry; D018552:Daucus carota / Q000378:metabolism; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010407:Penicillium / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D029921:Trifolium / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide
keywords: Calorespirometry; Isothermal calorimetry; Method; Respirometry