SBIR-STTR Award

NOAA requests proposals to develop a system for the measurement of pCO2, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (AT) for shipboard use. In response, Sunburst Sensors proposed integration of a novel approach for analysis of AT developed at the University of Montana (UM) with existing DIC and pCO2 analyzers developed by Burke Hales (OSU) and pH and pCO2 sensors developed at UM. In Phase I, Sunburst will demonstrate the feasibility of a commercial rapid response, low volume design for an AT analyzer based on UM’s tracer monitored titration (TMT) methodology and reducing the sample size and response times for the pCO2 and pH systems. With these optimizations in place, Phase II will then focus on integrating them into a single system capable of sampling from either a ship seawater line or discrete samples. The end product will be a valuable tool that can be sold to oceanographers and limnologists. SUMMARY OF

Anticipated Results:
(1) Demonstration of feasibility of rapid response, low volume analyzer for total alkalinity. (2) Improvements to volume requirements and accuracy of pH and pCO2 analyzers.

The rapid increase in atmospheric CO2 over the past century has heightened concerns about climate change. The oceans are a very large CO2 sink and a better understanding of ocean carbon cycling will help scientists improve climate models, as well as understand the consequences of ocean CO2 acidification. Inorganic carbon parameters are commonly measured as part of ocean carbon cycle studies. DIC AT pHT and p CO2 can all be measured on ships with excellent accuracy and precision. These individual parameter systems are often complex making data acquisition and analyses labor intensive and expensive. Sunburst Sensors in collaboration with Mike DeGrandpre at UM and Burke Hales at OSU, have developed a suite of shipboard instruments to measure all four quantities. Testing and refinement of these systems was performed in Phase I. In Phase II, Sunburst proposes to: 1) complete development of it’s AT system, 2) develop an infrared based pCO2-DIC system, and 3) develop a modular colorimetric system to measure pHT-pCO2-AT. Extensive shipboard testing will allow the development of robust field-ready products that are easy to use and maintain, and deliver precise, accurate data. Commercialization of these multi-parameter systems will occur by the conclusion of the two year contract period. SUMMARY OF

Anticipated Results:
Two means of measuring total alkalinity, a segmented flow system and a mixing cell system, will be refined and the best system chosen for integration into a multiple parameter system. An IR based system to measure pCO2-DIC will be developed and tested early in the contract period. Response time of the colorimetric pCO2 system will be improved. A modular colorimetric system to measure pHT-pCO2-AT will be developed and tested. Both multi-parameter systems will be commercialized. Individual parameter systems may also be commercialized and find use in nonresearch markets.