A computerized open-top field chamber system for exposing plants to air pollutants

Abstract

A computerized open-top field chamber fumigation system is described for exposing plants to ozone and sulfur dioxide. The exposure system is capable of operating unattended for several days, maintaining and monitoring pollutant concentrations in the chambers as desired. Pollutants are dispensed to the chambers through mass flow controllers, operated by a microcomputer. Inputs to the microcomputer consist of monitored pollutant concentrations, weather and hardware function signals, feedback from mass flow controllers, and operator input via a terminal. Pollutant monitors are time-shared through solenoid valves controlled by the computer, and information is recorded by data loggers.