Design and assembly of an experimental laboratory for the study of atmosphere-plant interactions in the system of fumigation chambers.

An experimental laboratory was designed and assembled at the Botanical Institute of São Paulo, Brazil, in order to research atmosphere-plant interactions through the use of a system of fumigation chambers. A system of three "closed" fumigation chambers was designed to be used inside or outside the laboratory. The system was built to be used with a single pollutant or a mix of them. The innovation in this system is to allow chemical reactions inside the chambers that simulate atmospheric chemistry, especially photochemical processes involving high levels of ozone. Assessment of the performance and applicability of the system was based on the response of Nicotiana tabacum Bel W3 exposed to ozone produced alternatively by a generator and inside the chamber by reactions of its precursors. The results showed that the system can be well applied to the study of atmospheric chemistry interactions and the effects on plants.