Research Task 8 Micro-sensing technologies and sensing systems.

PhD position. National Oceanography Centre, Southampton. UK. Supervisors: Dr. Matthew Mowlem, Dr. Douglas Connelly and Prof. Peter Statham with secondments to IOW and CTG.

The seas are dynamic environments. Near shore waters receive natural and anthropogenic inputs from land based sources with concentrations of e.g. macro-nutrients (P, N, Si) showing orders of magnitude variability in relation to inputs, and biological and geochemical removal and transformation processes. We require a new generation of reliable MST devices that are sensitive, low on power and consumable requirements, and that can ultimately be made cheaply. Significant advances are underway at centres such as NOCS in development of these systems, but the conversion of a bench device to an autonomous in situ system is a big step that this student will help to make. The main objectives of this studentship will be: (1) To take existing bench-top micro-system analysers for NO_³ and NO_² and modify them to allow coupling to present platforms including AUVs, ROVs, and buoys. (2) To modify the chemistries of these micro systems to allow measurement of dissolved Fe II and Mn in e.g. hydrothermal plumes. (3) To modify the electronics and path-length of the optical cells to maximise sensitivity. (4) To liaise with the other student projects in the programme to ensure commonality in power supply, anti fouling strategies and interfacing with the wide variety of platforms found across EU laboratories, and to undertake these advances with a clear market niche in mind. (5) To field-test these systems at sea and over extended periods in coastal environments. The above will take the new devices to near market stage.

Statham, Connelly et al. 2005 E. S. & T. 2005, 39, 9440-9445