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GETCO2: A Compact and Portable System for Automated Gas Transfer Velocity Measurements of Natural Waters

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide To enhance our understanding of surfactants in the exchange of climatically active gases across the water–atmosphere interface, we introduce a novel CO 2 gas exchange tank equipped with a gas transfer velocity ( k w ) estimation tool, significantly improving upon earlier designs. This advanced platform integrates a commercially available, cost-effective, high-performance nondispersive infrared (NDIR) CO 2 sensor with a closed controlled environment gas exchange tank. The tank is designed to induce precisely controlled water-side turbulence, allowing for the exploration of biological and chemical factors controlling the k w . The new system features a bespoke 3D-printed automated equilibrator, enabling precise measurements of the water CO 2 concentration. CO 2 concentrations in both air and water phases are measured using a novel setup that minimizes errors from sensor drift and incomplete mixing or equilibration. Measurement errors for equilibrated CO 2 concentrations in air and water are 1.3 and 3.4%, respectively. The precision achieves k w values of 7.21 ± 0.18 cm h –1 with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 2.5% for deionized water. Testing with freshwater and marine waters yielded k w suppression levels comparable to an earlier automated gas exchange tank system utilizing gas chromatography. This next-generation GETCO2 system is smaller, easier to maintain, and more portable than previous models, allowing for wider-scale studies aimed at investigating the impact of surfactants and other organic compounds on k w suppression and enhancement across various natural water environments.
DOI: 10.1021/acsearthspacechem.5c00329
Language: English
Subfield: Oceanography
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
OpenAlex ID: W7131242863
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Cites: 37
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