Sensors and Samplers

The newly developed, cost-effective CTD instrument comprises innovative, miniature thin film MEMS CT sensors and a certified Keller pressure sensor, supported by an all-in-one electronic unit installed in a rigid housing. The innovative mechanical design will allow instruments to be easily integrated into existing ocean observation systems. Low power consumption and smart operation algorithms support accurate long-term operation. The design of the instrument and communication protocols will allow user-friendly recalibration or replacement of sensors when required, without any change to the hardware of CTD electronics.

Measured parameters

Conductivity, Temperature, Depth

Expected final TRL

TRL 7

Demonstration Location

TBD

Point of Contact

The large volume low cost microplastic sampler consist of a filter holder with filter options from 50-300µm allowing large sampling volumes (up to 10 000 L) to enable sampling down to background levels. The sampler unit consists of a closed housing easy to exchange without contact with the surroundings, avoiding sample contamination. The low-cost filters allow taking several samples during a sampling campaign which are shipped back to the laboratory where they are analyzed under controlled conditions.

Measured parameters

Total sampling volume

Expected final TRL

TRL 8

Demonstration Location

Norwegian coast Atlantic and polar regions (installed on M/S Hurtigruten)

Point of Contact

The microplastic detector measures fluorescence labeled microplastic particles in the size range of 1 to 300 um. It consists of a glass flow channel, a strong blue laser, up to six photodiodes for detection, and electronics coupled to a Raspberry Pi for data recording and processing. Cleaned and stained particles are administered through a the glass capillary, where the laser induces fluorescence emission from labeled microplastic particles. For each particle, the green and red fluorescent light emission is recorded, processed and stored in flow cytometry data format on the internal memory.

Measured parameters

Fluorescent emission intensity of each particle (green and red)
Total particle counts per sample.

Expected final TRL

TRL 4

Demonstration Location

To be decided

Point of Contact

The microplastic detection system consists of an automatic microplastic sampler, a sample treatment chamber, and an inline particle measurement system. The large volume sampler uses a mesh filter (50-300 µm) to collect microplastics from 1000 L to 10 000 L . After transfer to the reaction chamber, the collected plastic particles treated to remove organic material and stained with a fluorescent dye (Nile Red). Finally, the labelled microplastic particles are move to the laser detector, where the fluorescence light emission from each particle is recorded. The sampler and laser detector system is designed for operation on ‘ship of opportunity’ connected to existing infrastructure (Ferrybox) where the microplastic data is acquired in combination meta data (GPS location, timestamps, weather conditions and other sensor data).

Measured parameters

Fluorescent emission intensity of each particle (green and red)
Total particle counts per sample
Total sampling volume

Expected final TRL

TRL 3

Demonstration Location

Oslo-Kiel Ferry (M/S Color Line Fantasy)

Point of Contact

The SuNaMips (Submersible Sampler for Nano- and Microplastics) is a submersible device that allows collection of small plastic samples down to 30 µm particle size at up to 600 m water depth. With the integrated pump and volume flow meter, a precise sampling of a dedicated water mass is possible. The internal datalogger and control unit allow for an automatic sampling with user programmed timers of multiple plastic samples over a period of time at great water depth. Each filter set consists of a cascade of three filters with different mesh sizes for pre-sorting of sampled particles. Optional integrated, rechargeable Li-Ion batteries allow an independent sampling without an additional power source.

Measured parameters

Collection of particles

Expected final TRL

TRL 7

Demonstration Location

Mediterranean Sea (HCMR)

Point of Contact

WiSens TD-DO is a digital smart datalogger featuring black Peek construction which can be deployed on trawls or nets on fishing vessels at depths of up to 600 metres. This datalogger is equipped with a DO sensor based on the principle of luminescence quenching of a specific fluorophore caused by the collision between oxygen molecules and the immobilization of the fluorophore on the sensor surface. Temperature and pressure sensors are also integrated to measure depth profiles and compensate for dissolved oxygen measurement. The whole unit is mounted in a compact, robust, and ergonomic mechanical body. WiSens TD-DO can be operated in a standalone version or associated with an automatic data recovery and transmission system for fisheries applications.

Measured parameters

Dissolved Oxygen, Temperature, Pressure

Expected final TRL

TRL 8

Demonstration Location

Mediterranean Sea and French waters (Atlantic Ocean)

Point of Contact

WiSens TD-Chl-a is a digital smart datalogger featuring black Peek construction which can be deployed on trawls or nets on fishing vessels at depths of up to 600 metres. This datalogger is equipped with a Chlorophyll-a sensor based on the principle of fluorescence measured at 90°. Temperature and pressure sensors are also integrated to measure depth profiles. The whole unit is mounted in a compact, robust, and ergonomic mechanical body. WiSens TD-Chl-a can be operated in a standalone version or associated with an automatic data recovery and transmission system for fisheries applications.

Measured parameters

Chlorophyll-a, Temperature, Pressure

Expected final TRL

TRL 8

Demonstration Location

Mediterranean Sea and French waters (Atlantic Ocean)

Point of Contact

The Silicate Electromchemical Sensor is developed by NKE Instrumentation and LEGOS-CNRS and will be incorporated onto a profiling float to measure silicate concentration up to 2000 m depth. The design of the electrochemical cell was adapted to decrease measurement frequency down to ~10 min. The silicomolybdic complex is formed in situ after the oxidation of a molybdenum electrode to form all the reagents needed. This complex is then detected on a gold working electrode, where the measured signal is directly proportional to silicate concentration in sea water. A calibration using silicate standards is needed before deployment to calibrate the sensor.

Measured parameters

Silicate concentration and seawater temperature

Expected final TRL

TRL 8

Demonstration Location

Mediterranean Sea

Point of Contact

This sensor is adapted from the oxygen sensor 5FD-OEM-02) developed by Pyroscience and incorporated into a CTD Satellite Relayed Data Logger (SRDL) which can be deployed on diving marine animals (seals, turtles, etc.). The CTD SRDL is developed by the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU). The FD-OEM-O2 is an optical oxygen sensor module based on luminescence quenching of a sensor dye that is immobilized on a support foil (“sensor spot”). It can be used for gas measurements as well as for dissolved oxygen (DO). The sensor spot is excited with red light, and the properties of the emitted luminescence are measured in the near infrared. The presence of molecular oxygen quenches the luminescence, changing its intensity and lifetime fully reversibly.

Measured parameters

Oxygen in addition to pressure, temperature and salinity.

Expected final TRL

TRL 8

Demonstration Location

Argentina, Southern Elephant Seals

Point of Contact

Introducing an innovation in passive acoustic technology: the state-of-the-art Passive Broadband Recorder, meticulously engineered to survey underwater soundscapes across diverse aquatic environments. This advanced instrument features a 150kHz bandwidth sound recorder, adept at capturing an extensive range of marine sounds with unparalleled precision.
Beyond its primary role in marine mammal observation, the broadband recorder serves a dual function by facilitating crucial underwater soundscape analysis for various research fields. It proves indispensable in investigating sea ice dynamics, identifying seismic events, and monitoring the acoustic impacts of human activities in aquatic environments.
With its broad bandwidth and comprehensive recording capabilities, this adaptable technology enables a multifaceted approach to underwater research. Its sophisticated features offer valuable insights into marine mammal communication and contribute to a deeper understanding of underwater ecosystems, shaping the future of marine science and soundscape analysis.

Measured parameters/Function

Broadband Underwater Sound, noise monitoring

Expected final TRL

TRL 7

Demonstration Location

Point of Contact

Introducing a pioneering breakthrough in passive acoustic technology: the state-of-the-art Passive Acoustic Event Recorder designed for monitoring echo-locating marine mammals, with a specific focus on porpoise and dolphin clicks for abundance estimation. This cutting-edge instrument boasts a 150kHz bandwidth sound recorder, skilfully capturing the complete waveform of a diverse spectrum of mammal sounds.
Crafted with precision, the recorder efficiently captures the frequency-modulated clicks of whales, wide-spectrum clicks of dolphins, and high-frequency, narrow-band clicks characteristic of porpoises. Additionally, it records intricate communication whistle sounds of dolphins, enhancing species classification accuracy.
Recording and analysing clicks emitted by porpoises and dolphins is essential for estimating the abundance and behaviour of these marine mammals, providing valuable insights into their ecological roles and population dynamics. Moreover, the recorder’s advanced features enable precise classification of species based on their unique click patterns, contributing to conservation efforts and ecosystem management strategies. In addition to its significance in marine mammal research, the device’s comprehensive recording capabilities facilitate a holistic approach to underwater research, offering opportunities to explore diverse acoustic phenomena and their impacts on aquatic ecosystems. This transformative technology promises to revolutionize marine science by enhancing our understanding of marine mammal communication and its broader implications for ecosystem health and conservation.

Measured parameters

Click recorder for marine mammal echolocation events

Expected final TRL

TRL 7

Demonstration Location

Swedish Sound/Kullaberg/Lysekil waters: Commercial Fisheries;
Italy: Portofino MPA cetaceans’ sanctuary

Point of Contact

A new generation of high frequency acoustic instrumentation, with applications in sediment transport studies, including measurement of suspended sediment profiles, precision altimetry, dredge plumes and turbulence; marine biology, including detection and quantification of zooplankton; and the processes governing the formation of frazil ice.

The instrument transmits broadband pulses of very high frequency sound and measures the sound scattered by suspended materials at discrete spatial intervals, programmable from a few millimetres to a few centimetres. For precision altimetry, this may span a few tens of centimetres; for monitoring sediment suspension profiles, a total range of around 1- 2 metres is typical; while zooplankton and dredge plume estimation may extend to several tens of metres. The instrument is housed in a subsea pressure vessel suitable for long-term unattended deployments down to several thousand metres depth.

Measured parameters

Acoustic backscatter from suspended matter

Expected final TRL

TRL 7

Demonstration Location

HCMR Poseidon – AEGEAN – Cretan Sea

Point of Contact

Three carbonate sensors are being used within the NAUTILOS project: two pH sensors and one pCO2.

The two pH sensors, the Honeywell Durafet III electrode and the Endress Hauser ISFET probe are commercially available sensors. However, the probe themselves cannot be completely submerged and the modifications required for the probe to be used in seawater are very expensive (i.e., >~20,000 Euros). Therefore, further development performed under the scope of NAUTILOS tackles these challenges so that the sensors can be used for citizen science, aquaculture, and some oceanographic applications, at lower size and cost. Three main elements have been developed and they include a data logger and its electronics, a pressure housing, and a flow-through cell for underway deployment.

The pCO2 sensor is a CO2-HR sensor manufactured by Franatech. It is a membrane-based sensor manufactured in the EU. The CO2-HR was selected for its relatively low cost and small size. The improvements made within NAUTILOS to meet the requirements of industrial, scientific, and citizen science communities includes the addition of a pump head to increase the flow across the membrane and therefore the response time of the sensor, a user-friendly logger with touch screen, and a calibration cap have also been developed, allowing the users to calibrate the sensor themselves with CO2-free gas (e.g., ultrapure N2) and relevant air/CO2 mixtures, increasing accuracy, traceability, and reducing the costs of having to return the sensor to the manufacturer for calibrations.

Measured parameters

pH, pCO2

Expected final TRL

TRL 9

Demonstration Location

FerryBox (Baltic sea -Finland), fish farm (Norway), ASV (Portugal and Crete).

Point of Contact

An automatic multi-filter seawater particle sampler for use in FerryBoxes, fixed platforms and potentially autonomous vehicles.

Filtration is an essential sampling method in oceanography. Because of the need to ensure conservation shortly after water has been collected, traditional filtration has not been used much in autonomous observing platforms such as FerryBox systems. However, systems have been developed for submerged, in-situ filtering, such as the McLane Particle and Phytoplankton Sampler (PPS). The McLane PPS is an autonomous particulate sampler that can pump water sequentially through 24 individual 47 mm filters. The system comes mounted in a mooring frame and is designed for pre-programmed, stand-alone, battery-powered, submerged deployments down to 5500 m depth. The standard configuration also comprises a fixative fluid reservoir enabling chemical fixation of all or selected samples directly after a sample is taken.

Under NAUTILOS, the PPS is benchmarked, getting added functionality and integrated into a FerryBox observation system. Some components are re-purposed to dry each filter with pressurized N2 after sampling. Cooling is added as a preservation method by reconfiguring the system to fit into a portable compressor refrigerator/freezer. The system is powered externally instead of by batteries and is connected and integrated into the FerryBox online control and monitoring system. Instead of a pre-programmed sampling time schedule, sample triggering is based on vessel position, data from FerryBox sensors in the same vessel or any other online sensors, or remote manual control.

Measured parameters

Chla concentration, eDNA, TSM

Expected final TRL

TRL 8

Demonstration Location

Ferrybox (Noth Sea – Oslo)

Point of Contact

NAUTILOS is using five different downward-looking sensors. Four of the sensors are applications of commercially-available sensors – an infrared temperature sensor, a hyperspectral camera and two multispectral cameras. The fifth sensor is entirely developed by NAUTILOS – a Laser Induced Fluorescence Light Detection and Ranging (LIF-LIDAR).

The infrared temperature sensor is a Calex PyroMiniBus which is a non-contact infrared sensor operating at 8 to 14 μm spectral range, measuring temperatures from -20 °C to 1000 °C with a 0.5 °C repeatability.

The hyperspectral camera is a Specim AFX10; a visible and near infrared (VNIR) hyperspectral imager (400 to 1000 nm with a 5.5 nm spectral resolution) specially designed to be deployed from UAVs; it has a navigation System (GNSS) and an inertial measurement unit (IMU), included in its compact enclosure that weighs 2.1 kg.

The two multispectral cameras are an Altum PT and a RedEdge-P dual from Micasense. The latest is a combination of two identical sensors measuring at different bands. Each instrument has five spectral bands, so in total there are 10 different bands: 444nm (deep blue), 475 nm (blue), 531nm (green), 560 nm (green), 650nm (red), 668 nm (red),705nm (red edge), 717nm (red edge), 842 nm (near infrared) and 842 (red infrared), plus a panchromatic band and a thermal band for the Altum PT (11000 nm).

The LIF LIDAR is jointly developed by ENEA and NIVA. It is based on the fluorescence response of compounds emitting light in a broad wavelength range after excitation from UV-VIS light. Marine Light induced Fluorescence (LIF) LIDARs exploit this characteristic to remotely determine the concentration of Chl-a and CDOM by exciting molecules with a UV laser at several meters under deep, and collecting the emitted radiation, wavelength resolved, onto a sensor able to record the light intensity, installed above the water.

Measured parameters

Radiance, reflectance, SST, Chla, cdom, TSM

Expected final TRL

TRL 7

Demonstration Location

FerryBox (Mediteranen sea – Crete) , UAVs (Norway), ASV (Norway)

Point of Contact

The new radioactivity sensor for the deep ocean consists of a detection crystal, connected with a photomultiplier tube, preamplifier, amplifier and power supply, together with a multichannel analyser for data acquisition and storage. The electronic modules are especially constructed to fit inside the detector housing and the power consumption is relevant low (~1 W) in continuous mode of operation. The energy calibration is checked using the photopeak of 40K which is always present at the oceans as natural constituent of the seawater. A watertight cylindrical enclosure houses the above-mentioned modules together with the digital units. The enclosure offers continuous functionality up to 4500 m water depth and continuous operation since it is tested in a special laboratory for pressure tests. The selection criterion for the appropriate enclosure material is based on minimizing gamma ray absorption and maximizing the pressure tolerance. The subsea spectrometer was connected with a special battery to power the detection system. The enclosure of the spectrometer and the subsea battery box is also tested for high pressures using a special pressure tank. During the last face of pressure tests, the enclosure provided a tolerance up to 500 Atm. The radioactivity sensor is calibrated (energy, energy resolution and full energy peak efficiency) from energy threshold to 2800keV and tested for its stability to temperature variations. The efficiency calibration and quantification (in Bq/m3) evaluation were also performed in the calibration tank.

Measured parameters

gamma-ray emitters

Expected final TRL

TRL 6

Demonstration Location

The system will be demonstrated using the Research vessel AEGEAO. First, it will be integrated in the Rossete system of the vessel with an underwater battery and then to an independent lander for continuous measurements enabling the stand-alone mode.

Point of Contact

The dissolved oxygen sensing system, developed by HES-SO, is based on the accurate measurement of the quenching time of specific fluorophores, such as Ruthenium, Palladium and Platinum porphyrins. Such fluorophores present not only a very characteristic fluorescence (usually in the red-orange spectrum) but the intensity and decay constant of them is influenced by the presence of oxygen (both in air and dissolved in water). Contrary to intensity measurement, fluorescence lifetime is an intrinsic property of the fluorophore which is virtually independent of external perturbations (e.g. fluorophores density, degradation, and aging). While most commercial solutions measure phase shift between excitation and fluorescence, the presented system rapidly excites a strong fluorescence and then measure the exponential decay of the light, eliminating the need for an excitation light filter and resulting in a more compact and cheaper solution.
Current characteristics of the Fluorometric Oxygen Sensor:
1. sensitivity of approximately 1ng/ml in water
2. can be fitted in a 90mm long, 20mm diameter cylindrical waterproof casing
3. weight: 177 grams (including waterproof casing)
4. power supplied at 12V, 70mA average current consumption (<250mA peak)
5. communication protocols: RS232 and RS485 (NMEA compatible)

Measured parameters

Dissolved oxygen

Expected final TRL

TRL 7 – 8

Demonstration Location

AUV and floating buoy at Porto-Mathosinhos port area, Portugal

Point of Contact

A new-to-market and cost-effective non-invasive towed marine animal tagging platform comprising a dissolved oxygen sensor, capable of archiving a diversity of animal behavior data and ocean habitat parameters (depth, satellite positioning, temperature, activity, velocity, and dissolved oxygen). Mission duration is up to one week, with an easy-swap and rechargeable battery. The platform will be deployed up to 2000m by expert biologists and professional divers from IMAR (Azores) team thus enabling non-invasive deployments on marine animals like Manta Rays and Blue Sharks, while at the same time novel ocean data is being collected.

Measured parameters

Dissolved oxygen meter
Depth
Temperature
Acceleration
Orientation
Velocity

Expected final TRL

TRL 8 – 9

Demonstration Location

Archipelago of the Azores Islands, Portugal

Point of Contact