A Multi-Parameter Inorganic Carbon Measurement System

NOAA requests proposals to develop a system for the measurement of pCO2, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (AT) for shipboard use. In response, Sunburst Sensors proposed integration of a novel approach for analysis of AT developed at the University of Montana (UM) with existing DIC and pCO2 analyzers developed by Burke Hales (OSU) and pH and pCO2 sensors developed at UM. In Phase I, Sunburst will demonstrate the feasibility of a commercial rapid response, low volume design for an AT analyzer based on UM¿s tracer monitored titration (TMT) methodology and reducing the sample size and response times for the pCO2 and pH systems. With these optimizations in place, Phase II will then focus on integrating them into a single system capable of sampling from either a ship seawater line or discrete samples. The end product will be a valuable tool that can be sold to oceanographers and limnologists.