Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1021/es401040w
Title (Primary) Robust optode-based method for measuring in situ oxygen profiles in gravelly streambeds
Author Vieweg, M. ORCID logo ; Trauth, N.; Fleckenstein, J.H.; Schmidt, C.
Source Titel Environmental Science & Technology
Year 2013
Department HDG
Volume 47
Issue 17
Page From 9858
Page To 9865
Language englisch
UFZ wide themes TERENO; RU2;
Abstract One of the key environmental conditions controlling biogeochemical reactions in aquatic sediments like streambeds is the distribution of dissolved oxygen. We present a novel approach for the in situ measurement of vertical oxygen profiles using a planar luminescence-based optical sensor. The instrument consists of a transparent acrylic tube with the oxygen-sensitive layer mounted on the outside. The luminescence is excited and detected by a moveable piston inside the acrylic tube. Since no moving parts are in contact with the streambed, the disturbance of the subsurface flow field is minimized. The precision of the distributed oxygen sensor (DOS) was assessed by a comparison with spot optodes. Although the precision of the DOS, expressed as standard deviation of calculated oxygen air saturation, is lower (0.2–6.2%) compared to spot optodes (<0.1–0.6%), variations of the oxygen content along the profile can be resolved. The uncertainty of the calculated oxygen is assessed with a Monte Carlo uncertainty assessment. The obtained vertical oxygen profiles of 40 cm in length reveal variations of the oxygen content reaching from 90% to 0% air saturation and are characterized by patches of low oxygen rather than a continuous decrease with depth.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=14016
Vieweg, M., Trauth, N., Fleckenstein, J.H., Schmidt, C. (2013):
Robust optode-based method for measuring in situ oxygen profiles in gravelly streambeds
Environ. Sci. Technol. 47 (17), 9858 - 9865 10.1021/es401040w