Satlantic and U.S. EPA Announce Collaborative Nitrate Research Agreement

Satlantic Inc., Halifax, N.S., announces a collaborative research and development agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Western Ecology Division to test and evaluate the performance of Satlantics chemical-free nitrate sensor, the In Situ Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer (ISUS). EPA will use ISUS to monitor nitrate concentrations in Yaquina Bay, Oregon.

Satlantic Inc., Halifax, N.S., is pleased to announce a collaborative research and development agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Western Ecology Division to test and evaluate the performance of Satlantics chemical-free nitrate sensor, the In Situ Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer (ISUS). EPA will use ISUS to monitor nitrate concentrations in Yaquina Bay, Oregon.

In support of research efforts under the Clean Water Act, EPAs Western Ecology Division in Corvallis, OR, will use ISUS to assess the level of nutrients in estuarine and coastal systems. The deployment will last approximately six months, which will include all seasonal variations to evaluate the performance of the instrument under a wide range of dissolved organic concentrations, suspended sediment loads, and nitrate concentrations. A joint report will be released at the end of the agreement evaluating the performance of the ISUS sensor.

In order to achieve our goal, there is a need for accurate, high resolution information on the magnitude and variability of nutrient stressors in aquatic systems. Currently, the collection of accurate data is greatly limited by availability of reliable nutrient sensors. We look forward to working with Satlantic to advance EPAs scientific and environmental objectives," says Dr. Walt Nelson, EPA Scientist and Project Officer.

Satlantics ISUS sensor was developed in conjunction with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) in California as a unique submersible chemical analysis system that optically detects nitrate concentrations without reagents or laboratory testing. Using advanced ultraviolet light absorption techniques, ISUS provides researchers with real-time nitrate concentrations. This sensor can be deployed on fixed platforms, profilers, and on towed vehicles to provide high-resolution data for short and long-term deployments.

Founded in 1990, Satlantic designs and develops optical sensor technology for use in oceanographic research. Satlantic has become a leader in the field of optical instrument design, digital signal processing and networked systems for the rapid assessment of marine and other remote environments. We are very excited to be able to participate with EPA in their efforts to manage excessive nutrient concentrations in our waters. This is a problem of global concern, and we are pleased to be in the forefront of technologies to ensure clean and safe water resources," said Dr. Marlon Lewis, Satlantics Chief Scientist and CEO.

The Corvallis laboratory is one of four Ecology Divisions of EPAs National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, a part of the Office of Research and Development. The Division provides EPA with national scientific leadership for terrestrial and regional-scale ecology, and develops the scientific basis for assessing the condition and response of ecological resources of the western United States and the Pacific Coast.