R/V Blue Heron Oceanographic Instrumentation: Nitrate Analyzer for Great Lakes Research

This project provides funding for acquisition of a nitrate analyzer to support scientific operations aboard the R/V Blue Heron, a research vessel operating on the Great Lakes as part of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet. The instrumentation will enhance the vessel’s capability to conduct high-resolution nitrate measurements supporting research on nutrient cycling, water quality, harmful algal blooms, and ecosystem dynamics in the Great Lakes. The upgraded capability will improve chemical and limnological observations available to federally funded researchers, students, and resource managers while strengthening freshwater research infrastructure and environmental monitoring capabilities. The project will broaden access to advanced water quality instrumentation for researchers, students, and early-career scientists utilizing the R/V Blue Heron, while also supporting technical training and workforce development in aquatic sciences. The instrumentation will support multidisciplinary research involving universities, federal agencies, and regional stakeholders focused on Great Lakes ecosystem health and water resource management. Overall, the project strengthens shared scientific infrastructure and helps maintain the operational and technical capabilities of the Academic Research Fleet supporting freshwater research and education. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. NSF Award ID: 2614699 | Program: 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT | Principal Investigator: Richard Ricketts | Institution: University of Minnesota Duluth, DULUTH, MN | Award Amount: $17,514 View on NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2614699 View on Research.gov: https://www.research.gov/awardapi-service/v1/awards/2614699.html