A continuous water sampling and multi-parameter measurement system for estuaries

Salinity, temperature, light transmissivity, oxygen saturation, turbidity, pH, pCO2, and chlorophyll a fluorescence of a pumped water sample are continuously measured with a system designed primarily for estuarine studies. Near-surface water from a depth of 2 m is sampled continuously while the vessel is underway or water at depths to 100 m can be collected with an in situ pump, in which case the sampling depth and temperature are measured by an in situ probe. The system is comprised of commercially available instruments, equipment, and components, and of specialized items designed and fabricated by the authors. Data can be read from digital displays and analog strip-chart recorders. Tables and figures describing specialized items are included.