[Onset] Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring for Aquaculture Research

Solution: In light of its ability to offer continuous DO and temperature measurements over an extended period, the AElab team opted for Onset’s HOBO Dissolved Oxygen Data Logger. This affordable, high-performing logger with 0.2 mg/L accuracy, an optical USB interface for high-speed data offload, and a user-replaceable DO sensor cap proved ideal. Additionally, AElab chose HOBOware Pro software for configuring loggers, initiating data collection, and downloading data. PVC pipes were installed in the soil of each fishpond at the test site, and HOBO DO loggers were secured with floats, allowing them to float while staying in place. Weekly data retrieval, combined with meteorological data and on-site water salinity measurements, facilitated comprehensive analysis.

Results: Continuous monitoring of DO concentrations, with measurements every 30 minutes, and weekly data downloads empower the AElab team to calculate respiration and production parameters, essential for a more comprehensive carbon balance model. Following Odum's (1956) oxygen metabolism model, the team calculates gross primary production (GPP), ecosystem respiration (ER), and the net ecosystem metabolism (NEM) value of aquaculture pond water. This is crucial for assessing carbon input and output in aquaculture ponds, especially concerning the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.