drawing water

The major component dissolved in seawater is sodium chloride, which is responsible for the salty taste of seawater. In addition, nutrients necessary for phytoplankton growth, gaseous components such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, organic compounds from various origins, and particulate matter from viruses, bacteria, and minerals are dissolved and mixed to make up seawater. By collecting seawater samples, analyzing their composition, and understanding their distribution in the ocean, we are trying to clarify the environmental dynamics of the oceans and the evolution of the global environment.

　To collect seawater from a certain layer in the ocean, an instrument called a water sampler is used. The sampler is lowered to the desired depth with the lid open, and the lid is closed on the spot to collect seawater from an arbitrary layer. In addition, seawater is collected by pumping or scooping it up with a bucket. The distribution of seawater components can be continuously determined by measuring the pumped seawater with a sensor or by introducing it directly into an analyzer.

　As the diversity of analysis items and the accuracy of analysis have increased, water samplers have become larger and larger. While the amount of seawater required for analysis has decreased, it is now necessary to collect more seawater to minimize the effects of contamination. In addition, improvements have been made to the materials and mechanisms of water samplers to prevent even the slightest contamination.

→Method of Ocean Observation 3) Water sampling