A Battelle-developed probe, equipped with a microcomputer and designed to help oceanographers explore remote regions of the seas, may have a future as an environmental watch dog, guarding against illegal polluters.

Sensors within the disposable probe could be designed to detect pollution in the water and pinpoint the location by signaling to a satellite, which would relay the message to a monitoring station on land.

"This could be an efficient, inexpensive way to monitor water quality," said Battelle engineer Brad DeRoos. "Once the probe detects pollution, it will be able to tell the monitoring base where it is and how much was dumped."

The probe was developed by John Downing, manager of the Oceanography Group at the Battelle Marine Sciences Laboratory in Sequim, Wash.; DeRoos, of Battelle's Equipment Development Department in Columbus; and Kim McCoy, founder of Ocean Sensors Inc. of San Diego. Ocean Sensors manufactures sensors and data logging equipment for oceanography.

The 32-inch probe weighs 5 pounds. It is placed inside a shell carrier and can be dropped into the ocean from a ship or by parachute from an airplane. Once in the water, the shell carrier opens, and the probe, weighted by an anchor, begins falling to the ocean floor.

When used for oceanographic measuring purposes, the probe measures such things as water temperature, conductivity, and depth as it falls through the water. At a predetermined time, an electric current is applied to the anchor wire, which causes it to rapidly corrode and sever. The probe floats to the ocean surface, again taking measurements.

At the surface, the probe transmits its data to a satellite.

Equipped with the proper sensors, the instrument could be used as an environmental monitor to detect pollutants and alert enforcement agencies. The probe is placed on the ocean floor. When a pollutant is detected, the probe would detach from the anchor, float to the surface, and send the information to the satellite.

The probe has been successfully tested 10 times.

Battelle and Ocean Sensors Inc. are seeking a sponsor, or a consortium of sponsors, to further develop and test the probe.

For more information, contact Brad DeRoos, Battelle, 505 King Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43201-2698; telephone (614) 424-3943; telefax (614) 424-3228; or John Downing, Battelle Marine Sciences Laboratory, 439 W. Sequim Bay Rd., Sequim, Wash., 98382; telephone (206) 681-3607; telefax (206) 681-3699.

Battelle serves industry and government by developing, commercializing, and managing technology. With a wide range of scientific and technical capabilities, Battelle puts technology to work for clients in 30 countries.