Testing the chemical calibration of Sediment Profile Imagery (SPI) with novel in-situ pore water gel probe techniques: a proof of concept study.
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Portsmouth
Department Name: Sch of Earth & Environmental Sciences
Abstract
Sediment Profile Imagery (SPI) has been used recently to look at the relationship between benthic communities and sediment. However the SPI image has not really been calibrated with respect to the sediment redox and sediment biogeochemistry. This proof of concept study aims to use the in-situ technique of DET and DGT gel probes to undertake the first colour/chemical calibration of SPI images in order to determine high-spatial resolution redox sensitive features in a biological context relating to aRPD (apparent redox potential discontinuity) and bioturbation.
Organisations
Publications
Teal L
(2009)
Simultaneous determination of in situ vertical transitions of color, pore-water metals, and visualization of infaunal activity in marine sediments
in Limnology and Oceanography
| Description | This proof of concept study aimed to use the in-situ technique of DET and DGT gel probes to undertake the first colour/chemical calibration of Sediment Profile Imagery (SPI) photos in order to determine high-spatial resolution redox sensitive features in a biological context. DGT probes were deployed on the face plate of a SPI camera at two contrasting sites in the North Sea during May 2007. The deployments provided time lapse images of the sediment using the SPI and also DGT concentration and flux trace metal gradients for iron and manganese which are important redox elements. Other important elements such as copper, cadmium and nickel were also analysed, these are important both biological and pollution studies. Initial results showed differences in the three profiles due to inputs of organic material and bioturbation causing different reducing and oxidizing zones within the sediment. |
| Exploitation Route | This can be used by Cefas for undertaking sea-bed mapping along with standard SPI images. Cefas have been looking at the mobilization of heavy metal contaminants using the DGT technique and ultimately this can then be coupled to the SPI to obtain simultaneous images and metal profiles. Can be used for other contaminants and in further understanding 'sea-floor integrity'. Currently a NERC PhD student is linking DGT technology for Organotins and SPI camera images working in-conjunction with Cefas. |
| Sectors | Environment |
| URL | http://www.cefas.defra.gov.uk/our-science/observing-and-modelling/survey-tools/sediment-profile-imagery.aspx |
| Description | The output from this project has been utilised by scientists from Cefas to feed through to reports and publications for use by Defra to determine sea bed integrity. |
| Sector | Agriculture/Food and Drink,Environment |
| Impact Types | Cultural,Societal |
| Description | Novel in-situ techniques for linking biological activity to sediment function |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Scientific meeting (conference/symposium etc.) |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Participants in your research or patient groups |
| Results and Impact | Oral Conference Presentation |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008 |