Micro System Technology for Marine Measurement

To date the development of in situ chemical and biological sensors has focused on the production of macro instruments for single point deployment. With the exception of oxygen sensors and biological sensors based on fluorometry (that are now commercially available) chemical and biological sensors are not able to make repeated synoptic measurements at finer temporal and spatial scales. This is at odds with the patchiness and temporal variability observed in biogeochemical processes. This paper describes the early stages of development of miniature and mass producible chemical and biological sensors using Micro System Technology. It is hoped that these devices will be suitable for mass deployment and will deliver repeated synoptic data that will allow greater understanding and improved modelling of biogeochemical processes. Initially the production of two devices has been targeted: 1) A miniature cytometer to count and speciate phytoplankton; and 2) A lab-on-a-chip analyser using wet chemistry and optical detection. The production of the analysis chip for the cytometer and a micropump suitable for the lab-on-a-chip analyser are presented here. Preliminary investigations of biofouling are also discussed