In the battle against climate change, understanding the ocean’s role as a carbon sink is crucial. However, measuring carbon dioxide (CO2) flux at the air-sea interface has been a costly endeavor, limiting our ability to monitor and manage this vital process. But a breakthrough from a team at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) is set to change the game.
Elizabeth Farquhar, a researcher at UNCW’s Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, has led the development of a low-cost device that could revolutionize how we track CO2 exchange in coastal environments. The Sensor for the Exchange of Atmospheric CO2 with Water, or SEACOW, is a game-changer in the world of carbon monitoring.
Traditionally, measuring the difference in CO2 partial pressure (ΔpCO2) between air and water has required expensive sensors, often costing over $30,000. This high cost has been a significant barrier to widespread monitoring. But Farquhar and her team have developed a device that can do the same job for a fraction of the price. “Our goal was to create a sensor that was not only accurate but also affordable,” Farquhar explains. “We wanted to make it possible for more researchers and organizations to monitor CO2 exchange in their local environments.”
The SEACOW device, built around a $100 pCO2 K30 sensor, costs around $1,400 to produce. It’s equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, allowing it to be part of a larger observational network. This means it can work alongside traditional sensors to extend the spatial coverage and resolution of monitoring systems.
But how does it perform? According to Farquhar, the SEACOW holds its own. “After calibration, our device reports atmospheric pCO2 measurements that are within 2–3% of those made with a calibrated LI-COR LI-850,” she says. This level of accuracy is impressive, especially considering the significant cost difference.
The potential implications for the energy sector are substantial. As countries worldwide strive to meet their carbon reduction targets, understanding the ocean’s role in absorbing CO2 becomes increasingly important. With a low-cost, accurate monitoring device like the SEACOW, energy companies and environmental agencies can track CO2 exchange more effectively, informing their strategies and policies.
Moreover, the SEACOW’s ability to capture diel pCO2 cycling in seagrass demonstrates its versatility. This could be particularly useful in monitoring the health of coastal ecosystems, which are often impacted by energy-related activities.
The development of the SEACOW is a significant step forward in carbon monitoring. As Farquhar and her team continue to refine and test the device, its potential applications in the energy sector and beyond are vast. The future of carbon monitoring looks brighter, and more affordable, thanks to this innovative research. The study was published in the journal Sensors, which translates to “Sensors” in English.