A Review of the Emerging Field of Underwater Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometers are versatile sensor systems, owing to their high sensitivity and ability to simultaneously measure multiple chemical species. Over the last two decades, traditional laboratory-based membrane inlet mass spectrometers have been adapted for underwater use. Underwater mass spectromet...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in Marine Science 2016-11, Vol.3
Main Authors: Chua, Emily J., Savidge, William, Short, R. Timothy, Cardenas-Valencia, Andres M., Fulweiler, Robinson W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic environment
Atmospheric gases
biogeochemistry
Carbon dioxide
Chemical speciation
Dissolved gases
Environmental Monitoring
Gases
Hydrocarbons
in situ instrumentation
Inlets (waterways)
Laboratories
Mass Spectrometry
Mass spectroscopy
Measurement techniques
Organic compounds
Scientific imaging
Sensors
Spectrometers
Trends
Underwater
VOCs
Volatile hydrocarbons
Volatile Organic Compounds
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Summary:Mass spectrometers are versatile sensor systems, owing to their high sensitivity and ability to simultaneously measure multiple chemical species. Over the last two decades, traditional laboratory-based membrane inlet mass spectrometers have been adapted for underwater use. Underwater mass spectrometry has drastically improved our capability to monitor a broad suite of gaseous compounds (e.g., dissolved atmospheric gases, light hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds) in the aquatic environment. Here we provide an overview of the progress made in the field of underwater mass spectrometry since its inception in the 1990s to the present. In particular, we discuss the approaches undertaken by various research groups in developing in situ mass spectrometers. We also provide examples to illustrate how underwater mass spectrometers have been used in the field. Finally, we present future trends in the field of in situ mass spectrometry. Most of these efforts are aimed at improving the quality and spatial and temporal scales of chemical measurements in the ocean. By providing up-to-date information on underwater mass spectrometry, this review offers guidance for researchers interested in adapting this technology as well as goals for future progress in the field.
ISSN:2296-7745
2296-7745
DOI:10.3389/fmars.2016.00209