Development and validation of a novel suspended particulate matter sampling device for analysis of particle-bound microbial communities.

Biotic and abiotic materials attachment to suspended particulate matter in aquatic systems can increase their toxicity and health impacts and has led to an increased need for consistent sampling across various compartments. Sedimentation traps and continuous flow centrifuges are the traditional tools for sampling suspended particulate matter, while manta trawls have been widely used for surface water sampling of suspended or floating microplastics. Limitations, however, exist in the cost of sampling and infrastructure needed to deploy such devices.

Remarkable Similarity in Timing of Absorptive Fine-Root Production Across 11 Diverse Temperate Tree Species in a Common Garden.

Long-term minirhizotron observations of absorptive fine roots provide insights into seasonal patterns of belowground root production and carbon dynamics. Our objective was to compare root dynamics over time across mature individuals of 11 temperate trees species: five evergreen and six deciduous. We analyzed the timing and growth on 1st-and 2nd-order roots in minirhizotron images down to a vertical depth of 35 cm, as well as monthly and total annual length production.

The impact of material used for minirhizotron tubes for root research.

•  A wide variety of transparent materials are currently used for minirhizotron tubes. We tested the null hypothesis that minirhizotron composition does not influence root morphology and dynamics. •  Minirhizotron data were compared for glass, acrylic and butyrate tubes in apple (Malus domestica) and acrylic and butyrate tubes in a study with six forest tree species.