Web Release Date: July 18,
In Situ Applications of a New Diver-Operated Motorized Microsensor Profiler
and
Max-Planck-Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstrasse 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany, HYDRA Institute for Marine Sciences, Elba Field Station, Via del Forno 80, 57034 Campo nell'Elba (LI), Italy, and Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No 3, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
Received for review January 25, 2007
Revised manuscript received May 22, 2007
Accepted June 8, 2007
Abstract:
Microsensors are powerful tools for microenvironment
studies, however their use has often been restricted to
laboratory applications due to the lack of adequate equipment
for in situ deployments. Here we report on new features,
construction details, and examples of applications of
an improved diver-operated motorized microsensor profiler
for underwater field operation to a water depth of 25 m.
The new motorized profiler has a final precision of 5 
m, and
can accommodate amperometric Clark-type microsensors
for oxygen and hydrogen sulfide, potentiometric micro-
sensors (e.g., for pH, Ca2+), and fiber-optic irradiance
microsensors. The profiler is interfaced by a logger with
a signal display, and has pushbuttons for underwater
operation. The system can be pre-programmed to autonomous
operation or interactively operated by divers. Internal
batteries supply power for up to 24 h of measurements
and 36 h of data storage (max. 64 million data points). Two
flexible stands were developed for deployment on
uneven or fragile surfaces, such as coral reefs. Three
experimental pilot studies are presented, where (1) the
oxygen distribution in a sand ripple was 3-D-mapped, (2)
the microenvironment of sediment accumulated on a stony
coral was studied, and (3) oxygen dynamics during an
experimental sedimentation were investigated. This system
allows SCUBA divers to perform a wide array of in situ
measurements, with deployment precision and duration similar
to those possible in the laboratory.
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