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Development of microsensors for use in the marine environment

Objetivo



The overall objective of the project is to develop, improve, and test microsensors and signal processing systems for in situ use in shallow water and deep sea environments. The proposed achievements will make it possible to perform in situ determinations of
1) concentrations of dissolved constituents
in sea water,
2) fluxes over the sediment-water interface,
3) fine scale depth profiles of concentrations and biogeochemical processes in the sediments, and
4) physical sea floor characteristics.
Microsensors are defined by their minute(0.005-0.050 mm) total tip diameter. The small size of microsensors makes it possible to perform determinations with a minimal disturbance of the environment. The small size also makes it possible to develop novel sensors, where the efficient diffusional transport over short distances is used to supply reactants to the signal-producing zone within the sensor. Other advantages of micro-scale sensors include rapid response, low detection limits, long-lasting internal reservoirs of reactants and low power consumption.
The sensors to be developed or adapted can be classified in three major categories:
-biosensors: for the measurement of methane, nitrate, sulphate, and sulphide -electrochemical sensors: for the measurement of flow and sediment diffusivity -optical sensors (optodes): for the measurement of oxygen, pH, carbon dioxide, and the position of the sediment surface.
Measuring systems including optics and electronics will be developed to enable use of the sensors in shallow waters and in the deep sea.
The measuring systems will be designed for low power consumption and minimal space requirement.
In situ tests will be performed on a deep sea lander profiling the sediment at 0.025 mm resolution and on unmanned platforms for monitoring of sea water chemistry.

Convocatoria de propuestas

Data not available

Régimen de financiación

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinador

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE - MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
Aportación de la UE
Sin datos
Dirección
25,Vejlsovej 25
8600 SILKEBORG
Dinamarca

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Coste total
Sin datos

Participantes (4)