Proyecto I+D
Project PID2023-146358OB-I00 MAREA
Development of a sampling system and integration of advanced instrumentation for the study of resuspension phenomena in anthropised shallow ecosystems
Of National scope. With a Public character. It has been granted under a regime of Competitive.
In coastal marine ecosystems under anthropogenic pressure and eutrophication, episodes of anoxia frequently occur, resulting in the consequent mortality of marine organisms, with serious implications for the local economy and the deterioration of biodiversity. Prolonged eutrophication processes over time accumulate decomposing organic matter and other pollutants in sediments, leading to anoxic conditions. Episodes of sediment resuspension often result from the input of nutrients and organic matter, promoting the excessive growth of phytoplankton or macroalgae that deplete oxygen in the water when decomposing. The positive feedback loop for eutrophication resulting from resuspension is believed to decrease oxygen levels and elevate ammonium concentrations in the bottom water column, but its action mechanisms are not entirely well-understood due to the lack of technologies enabling high-frequency sampling immediately before, during, and after extreme or difficult-to-predict events. The proposal involves the technological development of new devices that will allow for a qualitative leap in the study of these phenomena. Three new developments are proposed: (i) The evolution of an autonomous profiler developed by the working team, providing it with the capability to stop at programmed depth levels for a predetermined time and be used as a gateway for collecting data from fixed sensors and their wireless transmission, (ii) optical systems based on nanometric absorption a
