A new simple pCO2 sensor with compact drifting buoy system for long term observation JAPANESE
Introduction Plan for development of CO2 sensor Theory CO2 sensor Anti-biofouling Data Observation systems
Anti-biofouling
In order to reduce the effects of biofouling on the sensors, we are conducting the antifouling tests with copper, and paints.
We also study about anti-biofouling for buoy and sensor. When the buoy system is utilized for a long-term observation, the instruments are susceptible to biofouling in the form of microbial and algal films. Requirements of anti-biofouling effect for the CO2 sensor are follows, 1. Do not influence the measurement of CO2, 2. Power saving, 3. Continues for a long term, 4. Less toxicity. The less toxicity is important point for the CO2 sensor. In order to reduce the effects of biofouling on the sensors, we are conducting the antifouling tests with copper, and paints.
We tried antifouling tests with some paints in our port side for 2 months (Mutsu, Aomori, Japan). We avoided using metal (Cu, Zn) type paint in spite of good result because our buoy was made by Al. The silicon type paint was adopted as an anti-biofouling paint for drifting buoy.
Plate 1 The result of antifouling test in Mutsu, Aomori.