Underwater Holographic Sensor for Plankton Studies In Situ including Accompanying Measurements

Area of Science:

• Marine biology
• Oceanography
• Sensor technology

Background:

• Studying marine particles is crucial for understanding ocean ecosystems.
• Traditional plankton measurement methods can be labor-intensive and less comprehensive.
• There is a need for advanced, in-situ sensors for real-time oceanographic data collection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the miniDHC, an underwater holographic sensor for marine particle analysis.
• To assess the sensor's capability for background measurements in hydrobiological probes.
• To verify the accuracy and reliability of the miniDHC for plankton and water quality assessment.

Main Methods:

• Deployment of the miniDHC digital holographic camera as part of a hydrobiological probe.
• Field measurements of plankton concentration, size distribution, and water turbidity.
• Verification of miniDHC data by comparing results with traditional plankton net sampling methods.
• Estimation of measurement and classification errors for plankton particles.

Main Results:

• The miniDHC successfully measured plankton concentration, size distribution, water turbidity, and suspension statistics.
• Field tests confirmed the sensor's ability to provide essential background oceanographic data.
• Comparison with traditional methods showed a difference of no more than 23% in plankton concentration data for individual taxa.
• Measurement and classification errors for plankton particles were estimated.

Conclusions:

• The miniDHC is a viable tool for ecological diagnostics of the world ocean.
• The sensor offers a reliable and efficient alternative for in-situ marine particle analysis.
• Recommendations are provided for enhancing the miniDHC's capabilities and metrological characteristics.