Dissolved CO2 Sensor Probes for Accurate Marine CO2 Monitoring

Understanding the concentration of dissolved CO2 in marine environments is critical for research on ocean health, acidification, and climate change. Advanced dissolved CO2 sensor probes are used on platforms like ROVs, buoys, and underwater observatories to measure pCO2 levels accurately. These sensors help researchers monitor carbon dioxide in water, study ocean acidification, and understand the effects of CO2 on marine ecosystems.
Overview Dissolved CO2 Sensor Probes for Accurate Marine CO2 Monitoring
By Staff Writer Last updated: February 3rd, 2025

What is Dissolved CO2 and Why Measure it in Marine Environments?

Dissolved CO2 refers to the carbon dioxide that is absorbed and dissolved in ocean water. The accurate measurement of dissolved CO2 is essential to understand marine chemistry, track changes in ocean acidification, and assess the health of underwater ecosystems. Since CO2 dissolved in water influences pH levels and carbonate chemistry, monitoring these changes helps scientists and policymakers address environmental challenges and climate change impacts.

Dissolved CO2 is typically measured using specialized sensor probes that can detect partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in water. These probes are deployed on various platforms such as buoys, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and flow-through systems to gather real-time data on carbon dioxide concentrations.

Applications of Dissolved CO2 Sensor Probes

Dissolved CO2 sensor probes play a vital role in marine science and oceanography. Some key applications include:

Ocean Acidification Studies

By measuring pCO2 and tracking changes in CO2 levels, researchers can study how rising CO2 affects ocean water pH, leading to acidification. This helps in understanding the long-term impact on marine organisms, particularly those with calcium carbonate shells.

Climate Change Monitoring

Accurate CO2 monitoring helps scientists understand the role of oceans as carbon sinks and track the effects of atmospheric CO2 on marine environments.

Marine Ecosystem Health Assessments

Changes in dissolved carbon dioxide levels can affect marine life, particularly corals and shellfish. Monitoring CO2 levels provides insights into ecosystem health and potential threats to biodiversity.

ROV and Buoy Deployments

Dissolved CO2 sensor probes can be attached to ROVs, AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles), and moored buoys to measure CO2 levels across various depths and locations, offering flexibility in data collection.

Gas Exchange Research

Understanding how carbon dioxide exchanges between the atmosphere and the ocean is crucial for modeling carbon cycles and predicting climate trends.

How Dissolved CO2 Sensor Probes Work

Dissolved CO2 sensor probes function by detecting the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in seawater. These sensors are often combined with temperature sensors and gas sensors to provide accurate measurements. The most common types of dissolved CO2 sensors include:

Infrared (IR) CO2 Sensors

These sensors use infrared absorption technology to measure CO2 concentrations. They are highly accurate and commonly used in flow-through systems for real-time monitoring.

Electrochemical CO2 Sensors

These sensors rely on chemical reactions to detect CO2 levels. They are suitable for long-term deployments on buoys and underwater platforms.

Membrane-Based CO2 Probes

These probes use semi-permeable membranes to allow dissolved CO2 to pass through for measurement, providing stable and reliable readings even in varying water conditions.

Key Features of Dissolved CO2 Sensors

When selecting a dissolved CO2 sensor probe for marine applications, consider the following features:

  • Accuracy and Sensitivity: Reliable detection of pCO2 in water is crucial for scientific research. High-precision sensors ensure accurate results.
  • Durability: Probes designed for harsh ocean environments are resistant to corrosion and pressure changes.
  • Temperature Compensation: Since temperature affects CO2 solubility, sensors with integrated temperature sensors provide more accurate data.
  • Deployment Flexibility: Sensors that can be deployed on ROVs, buoys, and in flow-through systems offer versatile data collection options.
  • Real-Time Data Monitoring: Some sensors provide immediate feedback and data logging for continuous monitoring of CO2 levels.

Advancements in CO2 Monitoring Technology

Recent advancements in CO2 monitoring technology have improved the reliability and efficiency of dissolved CO2 sensor probes. These improvements include:

  • Miniaturization of Sensors: Smaller, more compact probes can be easily mounted on various platforms.
  • Enhanced Durability: Advanced materials and designs have increased the lifespan of probes in saltwater environments.
  • Wireless Data Transmission: Real-time data can now be transmitted wirelessly to researchers onshore or on vessels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Measuring Dissolved CO2

A: Yes, carbon dioxide naturally dissolves in water, particularly in oceans, where it helps regulate the global carbon cycle.

A: When CO2 dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid, which lowers the pH, leading to ocean acidification.

A: A pCO2 sensor measures the partial pressure of CO2 in water, providing accurate data on dissolved CO2 levels.

A: Monitoring dissolved CO2 helps track ocean acidification, understand climate change impacts, and assess marine ecosystem health.

Summary of Dissolved CO2 Sensor Probes

Dissolved CO2 sensor probes are indispensable tools for monitoring carbon dioxide in marine environments. From studying ocean acidification to tracking climate change, these sensors provide critical data for understanding how CO2 affects ocean water and ecosystems. Whether deployed on ROVs, buoys, or flow-through systems, advanced CO2 sensors offer accurate, real-time monitoring to support scientific research and environmental management.

Explore the latest technologies in dissolved CO2 sensors and stay informed on how these tools are shaping our understanding of the ocean’s role in the global carbon cycle.

Products (7)

CO2-Pro CV Dissolved Gas Sensor

Dissolved CO2 measurement sensor for submersible & deep-sea applications

Dissolved CO2 measurement sensor for submersible & deep-sea applications
...e CO₂-Pro CV sensor delivers highly accurate measurements of dissolved CO₂ partial pressure...
CO2-Pro ATM Dissolved Gas Sensor

Dissolved CO2 measurement sensor for deployment on ocean buoys

Dissolved CO2 measurement sensor for deployment on ocean buoys
The CO2-Pro Atmosphere sensor provides highly accurate measurement of the partial pressure of CO2...
CO2-Pro FT Dissolved Gas Sensor

Dissolved CO2 sensor for laboratory & benchtop measurement

Dissolved CO2 sensor for laboratory & benchtop measurement
The CO2-Pro FT sensor provides highly accurate measurement of the partial pressure of CO2 gas...
Mini CO2 Dissolved Gas Sensor

Miniature submersible sensor for pCO2 measurement

Miniature submersible sensor for pCO2 measurement
...ssure of CO₂ dissolved in liquids. Compact, lightweight, and plug-and-play, the Mini CO₂...
Solu-Blu CO2 Dissolved Gas Sensor

Rugged CO2 measurement sensor for longterm in-situ deployment

Rugged CO2 measurement sensor for longterm in-situ deployment
The Solu-Blu CO2 is a rugged probe designed for real-time monitoring of dissolved carbon dioxide in...
OceanPack™ BUOY

Compact pCO2 analyzer for shallow-water monitoring platforms

Compact pCO2 analyzer for shallow-water monitoring platforms
...ven very small marine monitoring platforms such as buoys, and can be left unattended for several...
Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Systems

CO2 & methane measurement systems for air and water

CO2 & methane measurement systems for air and water
... water quality monitoring systems can be used to measure the presence of greenhouse gases, with...

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