Commercialization of Autonomous Sensor Systems for Quantifying pCO2 and Total Inorganic Carbon

University Of Montana, Missoula MT

Investigators

Abstract

The PIs propose to use the NOPP Topic 4B funding to promote commercialization of their Submersible Autonomous Moored Instrument, SAMI-CO2, a sensor developed for autonomous measurements of the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2). Field deployments by the PI and others have demonstrated the excellent long-term stability predicted by SAMIs' well-understood theoretical response. The PIs propose to redesign the sensor to improve reliability, make it more user friendly and to implement modern electronic and manufacturing technologies. The new design will allow individual investigators to make pCO2 measurements reliably over long time periods in widespread ocean locations on many different ocean platforms. Broader Impacts The proposed work will not only increase the availability of autonomous pCO2 sensors but will also provide the means for quantifying total inorganic carbon through pH-alkalinity or pCO2-alkalinity calculations. The research directly addresses an important need for chemical sensors for implementing ocean observatory systems such as the IOOS with systems to determine impacts of chemical species in the oceans.