Development of lab-on-chip sensors for ocean sciences, fisheries and aquaculture

Abstract

This thesis reports on the development of ‘lab-on-chip’ (LOC) sensors and specifically nitrate, phosphate and fluoride sensors for ocean science, fisheries and aquaculture applications. It has 3 technical chapters outlining development and characterisation of the technology as well as best practices for 1) deployment on the Cefas SmartBuoy platform and 2) underway analysis of surface nutrient concentrations aboard a fisheries research vessel in a “Ferrybox” configuration and validation of performance; development and characterisation of a novel assay for the measurement of fluoride in natural and drinking water and proof of concept application in a LOC sensor.
The work was enabled by a NEXUSS DTP studentship; jointly supervised by staff from the Ocean Technology and Engineering group based at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, Cefas and the University of Southampton.
The principal aims include development of technologies and best practices to enable acquisition of high-quality data on the marine environment and ecosystems; which can then be applied to secure healthy and sustainable marine and freshwater environments.
This data assists with investigation and management of:
•Climate change impacts and adaptation
•Emergency response
•Marine planning and environmental licensing
•Sustainable fisheries management
•Marine biodiversity and habitats
•Fish and shellfish health and hygiene
The research presented centres on the measurement of chemical parameters in seawater using ‘lab-on-chip’ technologies. These miniaturised systems mix seawater with reagents in microfluidic channels; causing an optical response to target concentration. These technologies are maturing in terms of both application and development and are now performing routine measurements in diverse settings such as the rivers, estuaries, on autonomous vehicles and the deep sea. This research has accelerated the development of these technologies and demonstrated best practices and applications for Cefas, a key stakeholder for marine research and management.

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