Problem
How to expand data collection in an underwater environment to evaluate carbon sequestration capacity
A team of researchers from Korea’s Kunsan National University, the Korea Marine Environment & Ecology Research Institute, and the East Sea Research Institute at the Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology (KIOST) set out to evaluate carbon sequestration capacity in response to metabolic change of the macroalgal community in the East Sea of Korea, as well as determine the effect of barren ground in seaweed-dominated habitat on carbon sequestration capacity. Because of the inherent danger associated with scuba diving and the limited amount of field data that divers can collect through direct seawater sampling, the research team recognized the need to deploy data loggers at the study’s in situ incubation chambers in order to obtain adequate, meaningful data.
Solution
User-friendly, affordable data loggers for water quality monitoring
The team selected the HOBO Dissolved Oxygen data logger (U26-001), an affordable, high-performance monitoring device with 0.2 mg/L accuracy, and the HOBO pH/Temperature data logger(MX2501), featuring Bluetooth technology for easy setup, data download, and guided calibration with the free HOBOconnect app. The data loggers were deployed in two flow-through benthic incubation chambers to evaluate macroalgal primary production and carbon sequestration capacity.
Results
Plentiful data that enhances understanding of carbon sequestration capacity in seaweed habitat
Because of the reliable, accurate, and plentiful data the HOBO loggers provide, the research team relies on scuba divers only for initial deployment of the loggers and periodic data downloads. Since the data is acquired regularly, the team can use the data to establish a protocol for calculating productivity (i.e., carbon sequestration capacity). And because the loggers record data frequently, at one-minute intervals, they provide enough data to help the team understand the dynamics of metabolism of macroalgae. For example, the diel rhythm of macroalgae during the daytime can be understood, as well as phenomena such as deterioration in carbon removal potential due to photo-inhibition in the afternoon.
Products Used
HOBO Dissolved Oxygen Data Logger
$1395.00 USD
To measure dissolved oxygen and temperature in rivers as part of research designed to help recover and conserve Pacific salmon populations in Northern California.
HOBO pH and Temperature Data Logger
$825.00 USD
Used to monitor pH and temperature in benthic incubation chambers
