Journal article
iAMES: An inexpensive, Automated Methane Ebullition Sensor
Environmental Science and Technology, Vol.53(11), pp.6420-6426
04/06/2019
PMID: 31117543
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Abstract
Atmospheric concentrations of methane have increased ∼2.4 fold since the industrial revolution with wetlands and inland waters representing the largest source of methane to the atmosphere. Substantial uncertainties remain in global methane budgets, due in part to the lack of adequate techniques and detailed measurements to assess ebullition in aquatic environments. Here, we present details of a low cost (∼$120 US per unit) ebullition sensor that autonomously logs both volumetric ebullition rate and methane concentrations. The sensor combines a traditional funnel bubble trap with an Arduino logger, a pressure sensor, thermal conductivity methane sensor, and a solenoid valve. Powered by three AA batteries, the sensor can measure autonomously for three months when programmed for a sampling frequency of 30 min. For field testing, four sensors were deployed for six weeks in a small lake. While ebullition was spatially and temporally variable, a distinct diurnal trend was observed with the highest rates from mid-morning to early afternoon. Ebullition rates were similar for all four sensors when integrated over the sampling period. The widespread deployment of low cost automated ebullition sensors such as the iAMES described here will help constrain one of the largest uncertainties in the global methane budget.
Details
- Title
- iAMES: An inexpensive, Automated Methane Ebullition Sensor
- Creators
- Damien T Maher - Southern Cross UniversityMichael Drexl - Southern Cross UniversityDouglas R Tait - Southern Cross UniversityScott G Johnston - Southern Cross UniversityLuke C Jeffrey - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Environmental Science and Technology, Vol.53(11), pp.6420-6426
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society
- Grant note
- We acknowledge funding from the Australian Research Council (DE150100581, DE180100535, DP180101285, and LP160100061).
- Identifiers
- 991012831989902368
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2019 American Chemical Society
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; School of Environment, Science and Engineering; Science; Southern Cross GeoScience
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article