Task 7.3

Innovative ecosystem sensors and sensor package developments  

M1-M44 (Lead: NORCE, partners: CNRS, ifremer, PLOCAN, IRB, CNR, NIVA, SOCIB)

Based on the science strategy resulting from WP1, the task will develop smart multisensor packages for multidisciplinary observation of dedicated processes pertaining the pelagic and benthic compartments and their interactions, through the integration of the JIIM technology developed in Task 7.2 and further enabling the intelligent data processing and sensor triggering system, developed in Task 7.4.

Subtask 7.3.1 – Review of recent sensor developments (state-of-the-art) (M1-M8). Identify state-of-the-art and novel sensors that can appropriately measure the targeted EOV packages, defined in Task 1.1. A pre-analysis of sensor candidates will be consolidated by a comprehensive assessment of their maturity (min. TRL6). The analysis of the additional developments required prior integration in multi-sensor packages using JIIM technologies (task 7.2) will be performed. The review will provide preliminary recommendations on the information flow between sensors that will feed the definition and design of intelligent services (task 7.4).

Subtask 7.3.2 – Innovative technologies – Progressing on automation of biological observation (M6 – M44). Novel sensors for phytoplankton sensing, developed in the course of JERICO-NEXT and having shown a high potential for the JERICO-RI will be further developed towards deployment and integration. Sensors developed in recent Ocean of Tomorrow (OoT) projects providing access to new biological variables of high-value will be considered: OoT-BRAAVOO prototype for general environmental toxicity and hydrocarbon compound and OoT-Commonsense sensors for heavy metals and microplastics. Cooperation agreement will be established with Univ. Lauzanne and Leitat, respectively.

Subtask 7.3.3 – Innovative technologies for high frequency sampling for contaminants and biodiversity (M3-M36). Developing the WASP (Water Sample filtering and Preservation device) providing an automation capability for filtering, fixation and preservation of water samples for further lab analysis, enabling non-realtime high frequency measurements of emerging contaminants, biogeochemistry (nutrients) and biological analyses (DNA sequencing, metabarcoding and gene expression). The work will build upon ongoing developments at Ifremer, NORCE and NIVA. Such an innovation will lead to a paradigm shift in the frequency of observation of several crucial variables for the understanding of coastal ecosystem. Automated triggering of sampling using JIIM and smart data analysis (Task 7.4) will be explored.

Subtask 7.3.4 – Multi-sensor packages to tackle regional to pan-European coastal challenges (M10-M36). Multisensor packages will be designed following the recommendations resulting from WP1, the priorities identified in PSS/IRS, the developments of Task 7.3.2 and Task 7.3.3. Integrating biological observations, adding video camera, sediment microprofiler, Sediment Profile Imager, and physical measurements (CTD, turbidity, current) with the JIIM and the intelligent services will design an Autonomous Coastal Observing Benthic Station (ACOBS). At least one multisensor package for pelagic observations will also be developed.

Deliverables

Task 7.3: D7.4: Prototype sensor packages and WASP

Task 7.3: D7.7: Report on the technological specifications and benchmarking of the technological innovations (from task 7.2), in terms of new biological sensors, science-question targeted sensor packages and WASP.