Lysimeter experiments

A laboratory lysimeter (EcoTech) is used to investigate the interaction and transport of radionuclides and other contaminants in complex matrices, e.g. soils, on a small technical scale. In addition to geochemical processes, it offers the possibility to study the influence of microorganisms and plants on the chemical speciation and thus on the transport of radionuclides and other contaminants in different materials with temporal and spatial resolution. The lysimeter is equipped with sensors and data loggers recording pH, Eh, material/soil moisture and sampling points (pore water, material/soil) in different heights and distances. A bottle system is used for the collection of seepage water. Due to the presence of a sprinkling head with LED lighting, the investigations can be performed under near-natural conditions and plants can be grown on the solid matrix. The recorded data will be used for modeling and filling the gap between small and larger scales.