Developing A Low-Cost, IoT Air–Sea ∆pCO2 Sensor

Michael Tydings

Abstract

Due to the constant emissions of anthropogenic CO2, there is a net flux of CO2 into the ocean, but this flux is highly variable over space and time, especially in coastal and estuarine ecosystems. (Humphreys, et. al.) By determining air–sea ΔpCO2, we can estimate the magnitude of this flux. Our goal is to develop an instrument that uses a low-cost CO2 gas sensor to take both atmospheric and marine pCO2 values for a more accurate assessment of ΔpCO2. The final product will be able to measure temperature, time, and both atmospheric and marine pCO2 concentrations over designated time intervals and send data to the cloud in real time using cellular communications. In addition to the CO2 sensor, the full system comprises valves, a pump, and gas permeable tubing. Not only will the device be publishing an average concentration of CO2 to the cloud for each cycle, there is also a data logger saving all data in a .csv format for post processing after deployment. We have designed and begun field testing of the instrument and the next step will be further improving the sensor. This device will allow us to get an accurate ΔpCO2 and is more accessible than pre-built sensors due to its affordability and off-the-shelf components. This makes the device ideal for situations when there are budget constraints, areas that are high traffic or high energy such as the intracoastal waterway, and is ideal for building multiple instruments. Reference Humphreys, M.P., Artioli, Y., Bakker, D.C.E., Hartman, S.E., León, P., Wakelin, S., Walsham, P., Williamson, P. (2020) Air-sea CO2 Exchange and Ocean Acidification in UK Seas and Adjacent Waters. Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership. 03_ocean_acidification_2020.pdf (plymsea.ac.uk).

Faculty Advisor: Philip Bresnahan

Acknowledgment: Melissa Smith

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Michael Tydings

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Email: mst1903@uncw.edu