The Alliance for Coastal Technologies (ACT), is a NOAA-funded partnership or the academe, resource managers, and private sectorto foster developemnt and adoption of reliable sensors for use in monitoring coastal, freshwater and ocean environments. As part of the Alliance for Coastal Technologies (ACT), the Gulf of Mexico Nutrient Sensor Pilot Project aims to evaluate the "operational status" of newly commercially available nutrient sensors through integration into existing monitoring programs. Operational status is being evaluated through a combination of factors, including logistics required for deployment; ease of integration into shared data management systems; operation and maintenance schedules and requirements; and quality of data. These activities support the ongoing efforts in ACT, including the interagency Nutrient Sensor Challenge, to advance nutrient sensing in critical ecosystems, such as the northern Gulf of Mexico. With funding from NOAA through ACT and the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS), researchers at University of Louisiana at Lafayette are coordinating with partners at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute, the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, and the USGS in Tampa Bay to build a network of continuous nitrate sensors in coastal and estuarine ecosystems around the northern Gulf of Mexico.
These activities support the ongoing efforts in ACT, including the interagency Nutrient Sensor Challenge, to advance nutrient sensing in critical ecosystems, such as the northern Gulf of Mexico. With funding from NOAA through ACT and the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS), researchers at University of Louisiana at Lafayette are coordinating with partners in TX, LA, AL, and FL to build a network of continuous nitrate sensors in coastal and estuarine ecosystems around the northern Gulf.
Disclaimer
These data are preliminary and may be revised upon further analysis. They are being provided as a demonstration of the capabilities and integration of this nutrient sensor, as an educational tool, and to engage the public.
The Data Stream
Sensor Deployment: SCCF RECON
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This portable probe for water analysis was used to measure time series of:
Ammonia (N-NH3)
Orthophosphate (P-PO4)
Nitrate + nitrite N-(NO3+NO2)
Nitrite (N-NO2)
Total Phosphorous (P)
Total Nitrogen (N)
COD/TOC
BOD
The package included Control Panel (WCP) software the allows to users to setup any WIZ probe, using an RS-232 serial port;
it can be used even remotely trough a GSM modem. Also, it included Zetalog and Zetaced packages that allows to use WIZ at the higher level. Zetalog turn on WIZ just before the measurement cycle and turn it off as soon completed allowing power saving. Data are sent trough GPRS to Zetaced, running on a web server, where are logged and can be retrieved, validated and displayed as table or
graphics trend.
Features of Interest
Multiparametric: up to 4 parameters in the same unit.
Flexibility: more than 10 multiparametric configuration already developed active methods selectable by control software.
Low reagents consumption: few uL of reagents per analysis.
Low electrical consumption: battery operated
Deployment Kit: including buoy, warning lamp, batteries, batteries charger and solar panels available as option
Reagent canister: easy to plug in, new reagent set can be plug on site w/o WIZ removal
Quick start up: delivered fully tested and calibrated as per end user specifications, just fill the reagent canister and power to start up
Autowash/Autocleaning: self wash and/or cleaning at the end of each measurement.
Control Software: easy to use and to learn; short training, specifically designed for chemists.
QC control: programmable QC check while deployed.
Filter options: wide range of filter options, 10/25/100/400uM self cleaning or not or 0.25uM microfilter, self purging
Control options: integrated firmware and internal data logging, data retrieve by PC software, external data logger for power On and OFF, analysis frequency, GPRS data transmission to control center. Remote control by combined use of Zetalog and Zetaced.
Technology
µLFR* Technology, Batch, sequential for all MP versions
Applications
Hydrology/Water Resources/Coastal monitoring
Measurements frequency
Programmable
Cycle time
MP4 Nutrients, 40 minutes, for a complete cycle, other configurations from 40 to 60 minutes.
Samples preheating
Yes
Max number of reagents
8 reagents + QC check solution and Wash solution
Reagent stability
4-10 weeks, depending on the water temperature
Deployment time
Up to 2.5 months
Body material
PVC
Max depth
-10m
Operating temperature
4° - 40°C
Wastes
n. 1 x 5L bag for wastes containing reagents, free waste for washings with DI Water & Sample
Flow cell type
Quartz 4 measuring sides: 10mm x 2.5mm
Detectors
Standard Colorimetric methods: multi-beam fiber optic colorimeter with silicon detector; Fluorimetric methods: LED/filters: Ex./Em. at specific wavelength; Turbidimetric: scattering at 800nm; COD UV: LED 254nm corrected at 525nm; TN/NO3 UV: Xenon flash lamp, filters 220 and 270nm
Detector technology
LED/LED UV/UV filters
Reading methods
Absorbance/Fluorimetry/UV/Nephelometry
Reduction Module for NO3
Yes by UV photoreduction
WIZ Control Panel Software
Compatible with Windows XP, 7.0 & 8.0 (lates version, not tested), WIZ setup and operations, data download to computer
QC solution
Concentrated for long term stability, diluted on line when required
Off scale sample dilution and reanalyze
Yes
Automated sample spike
Yes
Calibration
Automated after reagent replacement
Power supply
12VDC
Power requirements
3W in Stand By, 8W (average) during analysis, max 1.5A; MP4 standard 0.46Ah
Dimensions
Analytical unit: 140mm (diameter) x 535mm (height) Reagent canister (standard): 70mm (diameter) x 230mm (height)
Connector
Submergible male 6 poles for RS232 and 12VDC power
Cable
Submergible Standard length 10m female connector
Data output
RS232
Filtration options
10/25/100/400uM with or w/o self cleaning, 0.25uM self purging microfilter
Standard package
WIZ probe - Reagents canister standard (Enlarged version on request) - 12 VDC power supply for maintenance and setup - Reagent bag filling tool - 10 m submergible cable - Carrying case - Wiz control panel software license - Start-up kit