Adaptation, test and in situ measurements with O-2 microopt(r)odes on benthic landers

Oxygen microopt(r)odes have recently been introduced as an alternative to m icroelectrodes in the field of aquatic biology. We here describe adaptation , test results and first in situ measurements made with O-2 microopt(r)odes on deep-sea benthic landers. This includes a detailed description of the s ensors, the mechanical mounting, and the necessary measuring system. Hydros tatic pressure effects on the sensors and the optical penetrators are evalu ated and discussed. Further, in situ micoopt(r)ode data obtained by a profi ling lander (Profilur) and a benthic chamber lander (Elinor) are presented, discussed and compared to measurements obtained simultaneously by Clark ty pe O-2 microelectrodes. The obtained data demonstrated that opt(r)odes are a realistic and good alternative to electrodes for landers and other measur ing good alternative to electrodes for landers and other measuring platform s during deep-sea deployments. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.