Robust tools to detect subsurface oil: Fluorescence sensors

New instruments to detect sub-surface oil in natural waters have been developed by Sea-Bird Scientific. The new instruments build upon the lessons of the Deepwater Horizon response and subsequent scientific research. Improvements in optics, electronics and instrument design have enabled a factor of five increased sensitivity in fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) sensors which respond to crude oil. Signal confirmation of the presence of oil from FDOM sensors has been enhanced with single housing multiple sensor instruments. Further reduction of false positives relies on the use of newly available UW-C LEDs to measure changes in fluorescence signals as fractional components of crude oil dissolve out of droplets.