About BIFBIF is considered a modified design of a different type of buoy. The other buoy is called a Basic Observation Buoy (BOB) that has a floating platform with the capability of carrying a suite of environmental sensors. BOB collects information on water quality- such as pH, dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and conductivity. BOB was developed based on concepts from Doug Levin, Ph.D., located at NOAA's IOOS (Integrated Ocean Observing System) program office. COSEE-TEK staff reviewed the BOB design, and modified it to be able to support EVA passive samplers and settling plates- and that was when BIF was born! BIF is more affordable for classrooms to use, provides the same level of buoyancy, as well as a compact, cost effective solution for water observation.
|