Hydrographic Institute conducts monitoring campaign under the MONIAQUA Project

The Hydrographic Institute (IH) carried out a monitoring campaign on board NRP Andrómeda under the MONIAQUA project, from October 6 to 8.

The main objective of the project is to perform the environmental characterization of sensitive areas through the collection of sediment and water samples, in order to analyze various physico-chemical parameters and microplastic concentrations.

The campaign took place along the coast between Sesimbra and Vila Nova de Milfontes, during which 37 sediment samples and several water samples were collected.

Sampling and measurement activities were conducted by members of the IH’s Marine Environment Chemistry and Pollution Division, who used a Niskin bottle to collect water samples and a Smith–McIntyre dredge for sediment sampling.

In-situ measurements were performed to determine classical physicochemical parameters, namely pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen. Microplastics were collected at the surface using a trawl, while in the water column a 300 μm conical net was deployed to depths of up to 20 meters.