Assessing the Accuracy and Long-Term Stability of SeapHOx Oceanographic pH Sensor in Freshwater and Estuarine Environments

Abstract

The pH is an important parameter which helps determine ecosystem health in aquatic environments. To support much needed long-term monitoring of other environments, we tested a proven pH sensing technology developed for oceanographic settings to determine its accuracy and stability for use in both a freshwater environment and a dynamic tidally influenced estuarine environment. To conduct this study, we tested the Deep and Shallow SeapHOxTM V2 pH sensor which uses Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistor (ISFET) pH sensing technology. These pH sensors are manufactured by Sea-Bird Scientific and were deployed over three months in freshwater and estuarine environments to assess the accuracy and long-term stability of the pH measurements.