TOPIC 3: Sensors for Measurement of Biological, Bio-Optical or Chemical Properties of the Ocean

Plankton Analysis by Automated Submersible Imaging Flow Cytometry: Transforming a Specialized Research Instrument into a Broadly Accessible Tool and Extending its Target Size Range

Lead PI: Dr. Robert Olson, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

This project is a collaboration between two academic instiutions, WHOI and UW, and a US instrumentation company, Cytopeia Inc., who will design, construct and market the final product. Making imaging flow cytometry more widely available will enable researchers to exploit emerging ocean observing systems to continuously monitor phytoplankton community structure and to better investigate questions about marine ecosystems and their sensitivity to anthropogenic influences and environmental change.

Number of Years: 3

Requested Funds: $1,522,421

Partners:

• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
• University of Washington
• Cytopeia Inc.

Developing ChemFin (TM), a Miniature Biogeochemical Sensor Payload for Gliders, Profilers, and Other AUVs

Lead PI: Dr. Alfred Hanson, SubChem Systems, Inc.

This research proposes to further develop and transition ChemFIN (TM), a prototype autonomous profiling sensor for chemicals and biomolecules, into a commercial product that can be readily deployed on fixed or mobile ocean observation platforms such as coastal gliders, profiling moorings, and propeller driven unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). ChemFIN is being developed for sustained, autonomous ocean observations of specific chemical and biochemical distributions and spatial and temporal variability.

Number of Years: 4

Requested Funds: $1,399,682

Partners:

• SubChem Systems, Inc.
• Naval Research Laboratory

An Autonomous Indicator-based pH Sensor for Oceanographic Research and Monitoring

Lead PI: Dr. Michael DeGrandpre, University of Montana

The team proposes to improve and commercialize an autonomous indicator-based pH sensor originally developed in DeGrandpre’s laboratory. Field tests of this sensor, SAMI-CO2, have found excellent precision, accuracy and long-term stability. The proposed redesign will address current limitations while making the instrument less expensive and more versatile, including the ability to deploy on a wide range of fixed and mobile platforms. A full understanding of the global CO2 cycle is necessary to predict CO2′s impact as a greenhouse gas and as an acidifying pollutant.

Number of Years: 3

Requested Funds: $980,518

Partners:

• University of Montana
• Scripps Instituion of Oceanography
• Sunburst Sensors, Inc.

Long-term in situ Chemical Sensors for Monitoring Nutrients: Phosphate Sensor Commercialization and Ammonium Sensor Development

Lead PI: Dr. Andrew Barnard, WET Labs, Inc.

The proposed research will develop a user friendly commercial version of the wet chemistry phosphate nutrient sensor. In particular, cartridges will be developed that will allow users to take the ‘wet’ out of wet chemistry. The proposed instrument will report phosphate concentration values directly and may be integrated into the output of a CTD or similar instrumentation. The research team also proposes to develop an ammonium sensor using similar technology. Like other WET Labs instruments, the devices will have ani-biofouling measures that will allow for unattended deployments of three months.

Number of Years: 3

Requested Funds: $1,487,157

Partners:

• WET Labs, Inc.
• SubChem
• University of New Hampshire
• University of Southern California
• Kachemak Bay Research Reserve
• Prince William Sound Science Center

Development and Deployment of a Modular, Autonous in situ Deep Sea Stable Isotope Analyzer

Lead PI: Dr. Peter Girguis, Harvard University

The research team proposes to develop two instruments based upon existing technology: an in situ autonomous mehane concentration and isotope analyzer and an in situ carbon dioxide concentration and isotope analyzer. By using off-axis integrated cavity optical spectroscopy, or ICOS, the instruments will be moderate in size and require little power. This research will provide the oceanographic community with in situ methane and inorganic carbon analyzers capable of high-resolution determinations of both concentration and isotopic composition.

Number of Years: 3

Requested Funds: $935,729

Partners:

• Harvard University
• Los Gatos Research, Inc.

Autonomous Measurements of Oceanic Dissolved Nitrate from Commercially Available Profiling Floats Equipped with ISUS

Lead PI: Dr. Stephen Riser, University of Washington

The proposed research will develop a commercially-available version of a nitrate sensor (ISUS) on a APEX profiling float equipped with a SeaBird CTD and a well-calibrated dissolved oxygen sensor. The technical developments proposed will result in a cost-effective method of observing biogeochemical parameters in the ocean, such as making measurements from profiling floats, and will likely lead to major improvements in the understanding of biological productivity and carbon uptake by the ocean.

Number of Years: 3

Requested Funds: $1,484,217 (93.7% domestic, 6.3% foreign)

Partners:

• University of Washington
• Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
• Webb Research Corporation
• Satlantic, Inc.