Options

Benefits

• Improved dynamic range for broader range of absorbance measurements
• Improved sensitivity of measurement
• Detect lower concentrations of solutes
• Measurements can be made using smaller sample volumes
• Compact, portable system for real time measurement on board a ship

Applications

• Determine the biogeochemical cycles, e.g. the organic carbon-based cycle in the ocean.
• Monitor and map of surface-water masses.
• Measure the UV light penetration into the ocean to determine:
• Photosynthesis reaction with effects on phytoplankton population
• Effect on oceanic food chains
• Atmospheric oxygen concentration
• Monitor the light absorption of CDOM as it relates to heat storage and the decline of sea ice.

What is CDOM?

Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) is organic matter whose optical properties are measurable using WPI’s Liquid Waveguide Capillary Cell (LWCC). CDOM occurs naturally in water systems and is derived from organic tannins. CDOM concentration depends on the location where samples are taken, with coastal waters showing higher CDOM concentrations compared to open-ocean waters. In addition, CDOM absorption depends on open-ocean water depth. LWCCs are fiber optic flow cells that combine an increased optical pathlength (1–500 cm) with small sample volumes ranging from 2.4 μL to about 3 mL.