Proj. Manag.

Problem Definition

Overview of Project Context:

Chuck works for the Energy and Environmental Sciences Group at SSC Pacific. One problem that Chuck and his team are facing is eutrophication. Eutrophication stimulates the growth of algae, which depletes the oxygen in seawater and can have negative impacts on the water quality and sealife. Chuck and his team are studying the extent of impact microalgae has on the water quality. Currently they have acoustic and electronic methods to measure such impacts, but they need another method to verify their results.

We were asked to design, build, and test a small manual sampling device to capture macroalgae 15-20 feet below the water surface. These samples will be used to quantify the amount of macroalgae in estuarine waters.

Project Objectives:

High Priority:

• • Take a sample of algae from 15-20 ft. depth

  • Quantify a consistent sampling area (for percent coverage)

    • e.g. grid quadrant system

Second Priority:

• • Camera mount

Constraints/Issues:

• • Small, portable/collapsable (for kayaks), light

  • Material compatibility (avoid saltwater corrosion)

  • Algae displacement

  • Compatible with different types of sediment (pebble/sand/mud)

WOW Design Solution:

• • Refer to High Priority Objectives

Risk Reduction Objectives:

Gathering algae:

There are multiple methods we may use to gather the algae with our sampler:

• • cutting

  • uprooting (pulling/tugging)

  • scooping from sediment

Possible objectives from RR Test:

• • Which method is the most effective?

  • Which method is the easiest to perform?

  • Can we get a consistent sample size from the method?

  • Is the method effective for all seawater depths?

  • Does the sampler effectively gather different algae species? Free-floating?

Alternative Tests:

• 1. Van Veen Sampler

     1. Can we get a consistent sample size?

  2. Camera visibility

• • 1. How far away can we mount the camera before we can’t get a visible picture?

    2. Water quality/pollution problems

• 3. Dispenser

• • 1. Can we properly settle the sampling device with our dispenser?

    2. How easy to lower and raise sampler? Will the cord get tangled?

Intermediate Milestones:

• • SPAWAR visit

  • Risk Reduction

  • Design, Prototype (~x2-3 iterations)

  • SPAWAR Testing w/ faculty

  • Final design

Individual Component Analysis Topics:

• • Sampler

  • Dispenser (e.g. cord into water)

  • Camera mount