Lab-on-chip Sensors
Cost Effective Solution to Real-Time Measurement of Phosphate Concentration
Dartmouth Ocean Technologies have developed multiple commercial products based on the Lab-on-Chip (LOC) technology developed in partnership with CTO Dr. Vince Sieben. The DOT line of nutrient sensors has been designed to be high quality and ruggedized for the harsh ocean environments.
All Lab-on-Chip sensors include built in data-logger with Ethernet access, as well as real-time data streaming via seral data connection. Reagent chemistry can be stored and deployed in a secondary accessory housing, making the required chemistry quick and easy to reload in the field.
Phosphate Sensor: In-situ Nutrient Detection
In situ sensors are needed to further our understanding of phosphate and nitrate flux dynamics in marine environments during short term events such as tidal cycles, algae blooms, and runoff periods. Here, we present a fully automated in situ phosphate analyzer based on an inlaid microfluidic absorbance cell technology. The microfluidic device employs colorimetric absorbance spectrophotometry, using the phosphomolybdenum blue (PMB) assay modified by the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), to measure phosphate concentrations in seawater
Dual Chemistry Nitrate Phosphate Sensor In Situ Automated Nitrate Detection
Anthropogenic nitrogen and phosphorus loading can have significant impact on land and marine based ecosystems with global impact. The use of nitrogen- and phosphorus-based fertilizers has continued to increase over recent years to stimulate agriculture production, and nutrient runoff from land can impact the stability of marine environments. As it stands, mitigation efforts are limited by a lack of comprehensive visibility over a wide spatial and temporal range, and severely impacted zones are often identified after significant ecological harm. Here, we present a submersible microfluidic sensor designed to simultaneously measure two prevalent forms of nitrogen and phosphorus, nitrate and orthophosphate, in situ within the same instrument. The device consists of two parallel analysis chambers, used to interrogate the same sample fluid with a different colourimetric assay for each species.
Alkalinity Sensor: In-Situ Monitoring of Total Alkalinity
DOT has designed, built, tested, and deployed an autonomous in situ analyzer for seawater total alkalinity. Such analyzers are required to understand the ocean carbon cycle, including anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake and for mitigation efforts via monitoring, reporting, and verification of carbon dioxide removal through ocean alkalinity enhancement. The micro fluidic nature of our instrument makes it relatively lightweight, reagent efficient, and amenable for use on platforms that would carry it on long-term deployments. Our analyzer performs a series of onboard closed cell titrations with three independent stepper-motor driven syringe pumps, providing highly accurate mixing ratios that can be systematically swept through a range of pH values. Temperature effects are characterized over the range 5−25°C allowing for field use in most ocean environments.
Features
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Lab-on-Chip (LOC)
Microfluidic wet-chemistry sensor featuring patented and proprietary “Inlaid Optical Cell Technology™”. Reduces reagent consumption, decreases reaction time, and reduces power draw.
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Self-Powered/Self-Logging
Self-powered and self-logging for real-time measurement.
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Technology Flexibility
This sensor is an excellent contender for towed systems, uncrewed vehicles, gliders, ROVs, Voluntary Observation Ships, buoys, and profiling floats.
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Customizable
The sensor is configurable and can be customized to fit into most platforms.
Lab-on-chip product downloads
A range of sensors for different environments
