Battelle’s Seaology™ platform of scientific instruments offers integrated environmental assessment and monitoring capabilities, including characterization of physical, chemical and biological parameters.
The autonomous pCO2 Monitoring System is the first offering in Battelle’s Seaology™ platform of scientific instrumentation.
As carbon dioxide levels in earth’s atmosphere continue to rise, the planet’s oceans have seen a corresponding increase in acidification. From the oil and gas industry and academia to industrial fisheries and wildlife sanctuaries, scientists and technical experts are charged with monitoring the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the ocean to understand the impact of changing chemistry on aquatic life as
well as its possible implications on climate change.
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To better understand this process and its environmental impact, Battelle has produced the pCO2 Monitoring System. The System:
- Provides time series measurements of ocean carbon and air sea exchange to monitor carbon cycle variability.
- Features a measurement range of 100 to 600 ppm or greater (with an extended range available upon request), and an exceptional precision of about 1 ppm.
- Offers ease of operation, set up and deployment
- Is extremely robust.
- Functions continuously for more than one year without any intervention.
- Features two-way satellite data transmission capabilities that control the system and receive data in near real-time.
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The System was developed as part of a cooperative effort between Battelle, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA).
Currently, NOAA has more than a dozen pCO2 Monitoring Systems deployed on a variety of buoys around the world. NOAA is using this analytical instrument to develop a global array of moored observation systems to determine air-sea flux in support of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). Use the link on the left to view data collected.
Download a printable brochure - here.
Collaborative technology transfer was a key step in the successful commercial development of the pCO2 sensor – designed by MBARI, enhanced by NOAA, and now manufactured at Battelle. In 2008 and 2009, Battelle staff worked closely with staff at NOAA, especially Dr. Chris Sabine, an oceanographer at NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Seattle, WA. On December 3, 2009, NOAA recognized Dr. Sabine as an Employee of the Year -- in part for his work with Battelle on the pCO2 technology transfer project. This clip shows Dr. Sabine receiving that award.