A recent webinar organized within the EU-funded project MINKE – Metrology for Integrated marine maNagement and Knowledge-transfer nEtwork and SCOR WG 161 REMO brought together experts from EMSO ERIC, MIO, CNRS, and IFREMER to delve into the intricacies of Dissolved Oxygen measurement.
Dissolved Oxygen, which refers to the amount of oxygen (O2) dissolved in water via diffusion from the surrounding atmosphere and as a byproduct of aquatic plant photosynthesis, is a critical Essential Ocean Variable (EOV) which provides insights into marine ecosystem health.
Since the 1950s, globally, oceans have lost around 2% of dissolved oxygen and are expected to lose about 3–4% by the year 2100. Despite the scientific and engineering research have resulted in advanced methods to measure EOVs, among which Dissolved Oxygen, there is a need for cross comparison of the techniques and traceability to recognized standards in order to advance our understanding of dissolved oxygen dynamics and better protect our oceans and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
MINKE is at the forefront of ensuring the accuracy and reliability of oceanographic data by combining marine science and metrology expertise to drive innovation in ocean observation.
The webinar, entitled “O2 Calibration Platform – In situ sensors”, highlighted the innovative oxygen calibration platform developed within the project and designed for in-situ sensors. The platform utilizes a thermostatic bath and precise control systems to achieve unparalleled accuracy in measuring oxygen levels, supporting long-term ocean monitoring.
Dominique Lefèvre, EMSO ERIC Science Service Group Leader, who contribute to the webinar, comments: “The dynamics of dissolved oxygen involve physical and biological processes, from surface gas exchange, driven by thermodynamic and hydrodynamic forces. Deeper ocean diffusion and biological activities, such as photosynthesis and respiration, further shape the oxygen distribution. By rigorously calibrating our instruments and ensuring consistent data quality, MINKE project enables us to delve deeper into these complex interactions and contribute to improved ocean health management”.