Integration of oil detection functionality to FerryBox system. GRACE WP1, D1.2. Verson 1.2.

Abstract

Our knowledge of the ocean is limited by our observational ability. To better understand and manage the oceans and the coastal systems, there is a clear need for environmental data of higher spatial and temporal resolution. Long-term operation of FerryBox systems has demonstrated the reliability and cost-effectiveness of such systems for observing the state of the ocean and seas over a wide range of temporal and spatial scales. There is great potential for data coverage using ferries and cargo ships of opportunity (SOOP) cruising on the same route on a regular basis, especially in coastal regions. It is fair to say that FerryBox systems have, reached reliability status. The installed systems can integrate data from water quality and meteorological sensors with GPS information into a data stream that is automatically transferred from ship to shore. Different applications reveal the usefulness of FerryBox measurements not only for monitoring purposes but for scientific questions as well. There is still a particular lack of robust biogeochemical observations in the oceans and especially in the coastal regions with their high biological activity. Numerous promising technologies for betterautomated measurements of different biologically relevant parameters are under development, or are even at a mature stage. FerryBoxes are ideal platforms to integrate such a sensor systems, even if they are in the development stage, as they offer a protected environment and easy access for maintenance and other issues. In general, all FerryBox systems employ a quite similar basic design. The system consists of a water inlet from where the water is pumped into the measuring circuit containing multiple sensors. A basic system includes usually sensors for temperature, salinity, turbidity and chlorophyll-a fluorescence, and a GPS receiver for position control. Data is transmitted to shore via GSM/GPRS connection or satellite communication. Marine Systems Institute at Tallinn University of Technology has maintained FerryBox on ferry M/S ROMANTIKA for over three years, between Riga-Stockholm and later Tallinn-Stockholm. During that time, many different parameters like temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a etc. were continuously measured and the results could be seen online in real time. In the end of 2016 M/S ROMANTIKA was replaced with MS/ BALTIC QUEEN and the FerryBox system with some modification and oil detection capability, reinstalled to the ship. Data is represented on a webpage http://on-line.msi.ttu.ee/GRACEferry/. Preliminary results of PAH measurements with FerryBox system on M/S BALTIC QUEEN on the route Tallinn-Stockholm-Tallinn (05.02.2017-14.02.2017) showed good data quality - PAH concentration varied between 0.014 μg/l and 0.093 μg/l. Differences in PAH concentrations between coastal areas and open sea could be seen.