A Novel High-Resolution Trace Metal Clean Sampler for Stationary, Profiling, and Mobile Deployment

Abstract

The Portable Remote In-Situ Metal (PRISM) sampler is a trace metal clean sampler designed for high resolution study of iron (and other metals) in marine ecosystems. Sub-nanomolar detection limits are achievable through a combination of material selection (PTFE, LDPE, HDPE, polypropylene), actively pumped sampling, and design of the fluid loop to avoid contact between sampled waters and the pump or any active valves. A compact modular design, collecting 15 or 30 10 mL samples per module, facilitates deployment on a wide range of stationary, profiling, and mobile platforms. The PRISM sampler has been tested to 200m depth, sufficient for deployment along the continental shelf or for study of the euphotic zone, and can operate autonomously for up to 6 months on a battery pack of 8 C-cell NiMH batteries. Use of readily accessible standard parts minimizes cost and facilitates utilization by other scientists.