IDRONAUT in collaboration with CABE – University of GENEVA and IMT – University of Neuchatel, has developed the VIP, Voltammetric in-situ Probes, in the frame of the MAST-III project “VAMP – Voltammetric Autonomous Measuring Probes for trace metals in the water column and at water-sediment interfaces” contract n MAS3-CT95-0033 funded by the European Commission and the OFES –Switzerland. With this system, reproducible and reliable in-situ, continuous monitoring/profiling of trace elements in natural aquatic ecosystem can be performed. The whole Voltammetric Probes consists of several units: the submersible voltammetric probes based on a unique micro-sensor a submersible on-line oxygen removal module, a submersible Ocean Seven 316 multi-parameter probe, a surface deck unit and management software running on windows PC. The Voltammetric Probes allow the simultaneous measurements of Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II) with a sensitivity at the ppt level, as well as Mn(II) and Fe(II) with a sensitivity at the ppb level. It is usable in sea and fresh water down to 500 m. It is controlled by an operator from the surface or in autonomous mode, under preset sequences.
