 |
In Situ Copper Monitoring in Rivers, Estuaries and Coastal Waters
|
Project Title: In-Situ Monitoring of a Reactive Metal in Riverine and Estuarine Mixing Zones
Research Locations: Rookery Bay, Naples FL
Last Update: 10-13-03
Copper has been identified as one of the most widespread human-generated pollutants in coastal waters. Trace amounts of copper in marine and estuarine environments are needed to maintain life processes. However, in high concentrations, copper can kill organisms such as scallops and clams, and adversely affect marine food webs and their productivity. With recent studies indicating a rise in copper concentrations, the need for in situ monitoring and source identification is increasingly apparent. This project is developing a sensor that utilizes a new technique called Long Pathlength Absorbance Spectroscopy (LPAS) for in situ monitoring of copper in aquatic environments.
The Sensor: SEAS-Cu
Researchers configured a previously constructed monitoring instrument to include the LPAS method for determining trace amounts of copper. Called the SEAS-Cu (Spectrophotometric Elemental Analysis System), this device pumps water samples into an airtight spectrophotometric chamber and introduces a reagent. The reagent binds with the copper and causes a color change that absorbs light. The amount of copper in the samples is determined by measuring the amount of light absorbed.
Preliminary results
- The SEAS-Cu obtained time series measurements during deployments of up to 12 hours,
in Tampa’s Bayboro Harbor, located adjacent to a marina. Results revealed that the highest
copper concentrations (~35 nM on average) were closest to the marina. These concentrations
were approximately 15 and 35 nM higher than at enclosed harbor and open bay sites.
- Tidal height and weather patterns also appeared to influence copper levels. For example, during one deployment a heavy rain was suspected to be responsible for an increase in copper (see Figure 3). Bayboro Harbor is a receiving basin for urban run-off. Thus, the observed increase in copper is consistent with the expectation that copper concentrations might be influenced by weather events.
Faster, more accurate sampling
Traditional methods of assessing chemical concentrations in coastal waters require time-consuming manual sampling and analysis in the lab. The SEAS-Cu is portable, low cost and can take time-series measurements
in situ. Analysis is instantaneous, allowing for immediate observation and assessment.
"Adaptive" Sampling
The SEAS-Cu system can measure numerous other chemicals and allows coastal managers to change the setting from one target chemical to another. Sampling can be altered in response to analysis results, giving
operators the flexibility to change their sampling according to observations.
|
Project Coordinator
|
Dr. Robert Byrne (727) 553-1508 Byrne@marine.usf.edu College of Marine Science |
|
Start -End Date:
|
09/01/2001 - 09/01/2003
|
|
NERR Reserve(s):
|
Rookery Bay (Naples, FL)
|
| For more information: |
Dolores Jalbert Leonard Phone: (603) 862-3685 Email: dolores.leonard@unh.edu |