Developing Low-Cost, Simplified, and Open-Source Durafet-based pH Instrument Electronics

Ocean acidification monitoring efforts are a crucial component of tracking the impacts of climate change in marine ecosystems. However, the high instrument cost presents a major barrier to the production of scientific knowledge and has resulted in a highly fragmented understanding of the global progression of acidification. Our project built upon an existing nearshore marine pH sensor design which utilizes a Durafet pH electrode. Our goal was to lower barriers to access by significantly lowering the cost of, and improving approachability to, the design and use of pH sensor electronics. We have created a more compact design using open-source components based on the popular and easy-to-use Arduino platform that eliminates over $900 from the cost of the sensor electronics. We demonstrate with lab and field testing that switching to Arduino-based sensor electronics maintains high data fidelity. Our design supports open science by allowing more individuals and research groups to engage in high-quality oceanographic research.