Performed Operation in the Gulf of Trieste and Preliminary Dataset

It is the aim to carry out a feasibility study for automatic sampling and detection of offshore gas release (CO2 and CH4). This work will deliver basic data and experience, and will assess knowledge and technical gaps in order to facilitate further developments of continuous geochemical monitoring devices as applied to open sea environments and lakes. First operational testing of basic gas monitoring installations will be conducted in the Gulf of Trieste and will be coupled to ecological investigations. Analysis of water chemistry will be accompanied by a preliminary assessment (modelling) of CO2 seabed behaviour, and exposure tests on mussels and other organisms exposed to likely CO2 concentrations. It is the aim of the collaboration to establish the basic infrastructure within the team for coming gas and water monitoring (e.g. within the ´CO2REMOVE´ proposal) coupled to ecological impact investigation at a demonstrated CO2 site. For this feasibility study, the Gulf of Trieste is chosen as an appropriate marine test site due to the available infrastructure. Initially and topic of this report, the technical feasibility of installing automated CO2 and CH4 sampling and detecting devices was explored. Furthermore, the technical prerequisites for sensor integration, and storage and transfer of data was be evaluated. The host will be a meteo-oceanographic buoy (MAMBO 4) managed by the COSTE group (Coastal Oceanography and Engineering group) at OGS. OGS has a long experience in operating with three other buoys which are currently operated in the Gulf of Trieste. Due to local methane fluxes in the Gulf of Trieste (result of a pre-study by OGS and BGR), both a CO2 and methane sensor will be installed.

Clip_CO2_Mon_20041127_0001 Prima Immagine e Report Finale 502816-CO2GeoNet Deliverable JRAP-8/1.