Bio-Trap® samplers are passive sampling tools that collect microbes over time for better understanding biodegradation potential. When suspended in a monitoring well, the unique sampling matrix (Bio-Sep® beads) provides an incredible amount of surface area for microbial growth and air flow. After the in-well deployment period, Bio-Traps® can be analyzed using a variety of molecular biological tools including CENSUS® qPCR, QuantArray®, and Next Generation Sequencing.

BIO-TRAP SAMPLERS ADVANTAGES:

BIO-SEP® BEADS
The key feature of a Bio-Trap® is the unique sampling matrix: Bio-Sep® beads, an engineered composite of Nomex® and powdered activated carbon. The beads provide an incredibly large surface area (~600 m2/g) which is readily colonized by microorganisms.

INTEGRATED
Microorganisms grow and form biofilms within the bead matrix while the Bio-Trap® is suspended in the monitoring well. Thus, microbial communities are collected over a period of time rather than a one time “snap shot”.

ACTIVITY
Bio-Traps® are heated to 270°C for sterilization and destruction of fossil biomarkers prior to shipping. Therefore, the microorganisms detected in a Bio-Trap® actively colonized the beads and grew under in situ subsurface conditions at the site during in-well deployment.

COMPATIBLE
Bio-Traps® can be analyzed using a variety of molecular biological tools based on DNA, RNA, and PLFA including CENSUS® qPCR and QuantArray®.

ADSORPTIVE
Due to the powdered activated carbon component of the Bio-Sep® beads, Bio-Traps® can be amended with 13C labeled contaminants of concern for stable isotope probing (SIP) studies to conclusive determine whether biodegradation is occurring.

VERSATILE
While standard Bio-Traps® are designed to fit into typical monitoring wells, Bio-Trap® housings have been constructed to sample nearly every environment from piezometers and pipes to the ocean floor. In addition, Bio-Traps® are also an integral part of Stable Isotope Probing and In Situ Microcosm studies.
HOW TO USE BIO-TRAP® SAMPLERS:
Bio-Trap® samplers can be used with a variety of molecular biological tools to provide key lines of evidence for site management decisions.
- Are known contaminant degraders present and growing (CENSUS® qPCR or QuantArray®)?
- Did contaminant degraders increase in response to amendments (CENSUS® qPCR or QuantArray®)?
- Will an amendment stimulate growth of contaminant degraders (In Situ Microcosms)?
- Is biodegradation of a specific contaminant occurring (Stable Isotope Probing)?