Development of a field prototype carbon dioxide measuring device for Canadian natural waters - IISD Experimental Lakes Area

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IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA), located in Northwest Ontario, Canada, and close to Manitoba's border on the West, comprises of 58 small lakes and their watersheds that are not affected by human activities. The lakes are set aside for scientific research where they are manipulated by scientists to examine changes in the different aspects of the ecosystem. The lakes enable real-world studies that result in more accurate findings as compared to laboratory experiments. Results from IISD-ELA have formed the basis of billion dollar-decisions by governments and industries, specifically in policy decision-making, safety regulations and conservation of Canadian freshwater.IISD-ELA is collaborating with a Canada-based start-up organization, Lab 4 Instruments to develop a field prototype of a carbon dioxide measuring device with potential for deployment within its current geographic reach and across Canada's inland waters, and elsewhere. The team has spent considerable amount of time and resources in determining the basic functionalities, concepts and working principles of the measuring device. However, the team needs additional help in the manufacturing, integration, and computer programing of the field prototype of the device to advance the technology readiness for testing purposes. Therefore, IISD-ELA and Lab 4 Instruments will be working with researchers at the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing (TACAM) at Red River College Polytechnic in the development of the field prototype device. The TACAM team will contribute expertise in mechanical design, fabrication, assembly, integration, and programming of the device. IISD-ELA has the capacity to use the results of this research immediately and deploy the sensor for field testing, with potential for the commercial product to be used within and outside Canada. Carbon dioxide concentration in natural waters have direct impacts on the food webs for most aquatic animals, supporting world's fisheries. It is also important to maintaining a bidirectional flux of the gas between the atmosphere and water bodies to maintain equilibrium within the ecosystem. Data measured from this device will be useful for developing policies, regulations and decisions that impact communities, including indigenous communities, and industries, and place Canada ahead of climate change initiatives.