An underwater eDNA collection system

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of environmental sample collection, and discloses an underwater eDNA collection system, which comprises a user end and a plurality of collectors, each of which comprises a collection bin, a constant-pressure capsule, a filter membrane fixing assembly and a control unit; the collection bin is a cylindrical collection box with open ends, and cylindrical valves are installed at both ends; an electric drive is installed on the outer side wall of each end of the cylindrical collection box, the constant-pressure capsule is arranged above the collection bin, and the constant-pressure capsule is in communication with the inside of the collection bin through a communication pipe; the filter membrane fixing assembly is arranged inside the collection bin, the control unit comprises a storage battery, a timing module and a communication module, and the storage battery, the timing module and the electric drive are connected in sequence; the timing module of each collector is in communication connection with the user end through the corresponding communication module. The present application is suitable for the investigation process of benthic swimming biological diversity in mining areas, and can provide scientific and effective data support for future polymetallic nodule mining schemes and environmental protection measures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of environmental sample collection technology, and in particular relates to an underwater eDNA collection system. Background Technology

[0002] With increasing demand for cobalt, polymetallic nodules and cobalt-rich crusts on the seabed will become important resources. Due to the uncertainty of the impact of deep-sea mining on the marine environment, ecological environmental protection has become one of the main constraints on deep-sea mining. Current deep-sea biodiversity surveys mostly rely on ship-based platforms or submersible platforms. While these can obtain the necessary samples, they still have certain limitations. For example, problems exist in conducting eDNA surveys of benthic swimming biodiversity using large-volume in-situ filtration systems on ship-based platforms: short collection time, insufficient collection of environmental DNA (eDNA, passively collected by filter membranes using electrostatic attraction); noise and water flow disturbance from filtration causing deep-sea bottom-dwelling swimming animals to escape, resulting in low collection efficiency; and active filtration causing water flow disturbance to seabed sediment particles, clogging the filter membrane. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an underwater eDNA collection system to solve the problems existing in the prior art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an underwater eDNA collection system, including a user terminal and a plurality of collectors connected in series, each of the collectors including a collection chamber, a constant pressure bladder, a filter membrane fixation assembly and a control unit;

[0005] The collection chamber is a cylindrical collection box with openings at both ends, and cylindrical valves are installed at both ends of the collection chamber; electric actuators are installed on the outer walls at both ends of the cylindrical collection box, and the electric actuators are used to control the opening and closing states of the corresponding cylindrical valves.

[0006] The constant pressure bladder is positioned above the collection chamber, and the constant pressure bladder is connected to the interior of the collection chamber via a connecting pipe;

[0007] The filter membrane fixation assembly is disposed inside the collection chamber and includes several filter membrane fixation slots, which are used to fix the eDNA collection filter membrane.

[0008] The control unit includes a battery, a timing module, and a communication module, wherein the battery, the timing module, and the electric drive are connected in sequence.

[0009] The timing module of each collector is connected to the user terminal through a corresponding communication module.

[0010] Optionally, each electric actuator is connected to the valve stem of the corresponding cylindrical valve via a gear set.

[0011] Optionally, the collectors can be arranged in series horizontally or in series at different depths vertically.

[0012] Optionally, each collector can be deployed and retrieved using a lander to achieve long-term underwater eDNA collection.

[0013] Optionally, each collector can be mounted on a temperature, salinity, and depth gauge for equipment deployment and retrieval, enabling short-term underwater eDNA collection.

[0014] Optionally, the communication module includes one or more of the following: LoRa module, 2.5G communication module, 3G communication module, 4G communication module, and 5G communication module.

[0015] Optionally, the communication module is further characterized by integrating a positioning module, which includes either a GPS positioning module or a BeiDou positioning module.

[0016] The technical effects of this invention are as follows:

[0017] The underwater eDNA collection system provided by this invention is suitable for the survey process of benthic swimming biodiversity in mining areas, and can provide scientific and effective data support for future mining schemes and environmental protection measures for polymetallic nodules.

[0018] This invention employs a passive eDNA collection device, which can achieve the effect of adsorbing and collecting eDNA without the need for complex water treatment or active filtration equipment, thus extending the collection time and increasing the collection range; it has 8 filter membrane fixing slots evenly arranged to increase the eDNA collection efficiency and achieve high-efficiency collection; it has a constant pressure airbag that can withstand high pressure and can operate in deep-sea environments; it has a timer switch setting to ensure airtight storage during deployment and retrieval.

[0019] This invention solves the technical bottlenecks in deep-sea swimming biodiversity surveys from sampling devices to survey procedures, and has broad application prospects, which will promote the sustainable development and utilization of deep-sea mineral resources in the future. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the collection device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the filter membrane fixing assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the control unit and the user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Labeling explanations: 01. Collection chamber; 02. Cylindrical valve; 03. Multi-membrane fixing tank; 04. Electric actuator; 05. Drive gear; 06. Constant pressure chamber; 07. Connecting pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more comprehensive description of the invention will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and several embodiments of the invention will be provided. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of the invention will be more thorough and complete.

[0028] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0029] The terms “include,” “including,” “have,” “contain,” etc., used in this article are all open-ended terms, meaning that they include but are not limited to.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0032] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides an underwater eDNA collection system that solves the technical problem of in-situ long-term eDNA collection under deep-sea high-pressure environment. The system includes a user terminal and several collectors connected in series. Each collector includes a collection chamber 01, a constant pressure bladder 06, a filter membrane fixing component, and a control unit.

[0034] The collection chamber 01 is a cylindrical collection box with openings at both ends, and cylindrical valves 02 are installed at both ends of the collection chamber 01; electric actuators 04 are installed on the outer side walls at both ends of the cylindrical collection box, and the electric actuators 04 are used to control the opening and closing states of the corresponding cylindrical valves 02.

[0035] The constant pressure bladder 06 is disposed above the collection chamber 01, and the constant pressure bladder 06 is connected to the interior of the collection chamber 01 through the connecting pipe 07;

[0036] The filter membrane fixing assembly is disposed inside the collection chamber 01 and includes several filter membrane fixing slots, which are used to fix the eDNA collection filter membrane.

[0037] The control unit includes a battery, a timing module, and a communication module, and the battery, timing module, and electric drive 04 are connected in sequence.

[0038] The timing module of each collector is connected to the user terminal through a corresponding communication module.

[0039] This system is applicable to the survey process of benthic swimming biodiversity in mining areas and can provide scientific and effective data support for future polymetallic nodule mining plans and environmental protection measures.

[0040] The underwater eDNA automatic collection device provided in this embodiment includes: a collection chamber 01, a cylindrical valve 02, a multi-membrane fixing groove 03, an electric actuator 04 and a drive gear 05 connected to the electric actuator 04, an elastic constant pressure bladder 06, and a connecting pipe 07 connecting the constant pressure bladder 06 and the collection chamber 01. The collection chamber 01 is a cylindrical collection box open at both ends; the multi-membrane fixing groove 03 is an assembly disposed within the collection chamber 01 that can fix multiple passively collected eDNA membranes; the cylindrical valve 02 is a ball valve installed at both ends of the collection chamber 01; the electric actuator 04 is drivenly connected to the valve stem of the ball valve; and the constant pressure bladder 06 is placed on top of the collection chamber 01. The electric actuator 04 is electrically connected to a battery, and a timer switch is connected in series in the circuit between the battery and the electric actuator 04.

[0041] It is feasible to install both the electric driver 04 and the control unit inside a protective housing. The control unit includes a battery, a timing module, and a communication module. The battery is a lithium-ion battery, and the timing module is an Arduino-based waterproof timing circuit (RTC module). The battery, timing module, and electric driver 04 are connected in sequence. The timing module is connected to the user terminal through the communication module. The timing module can be set to a time interval, and performs a data acquisition action or a shutdown action at regular intervals. The timing time interval and reading status can be modified by sending modification commands through the user terminal.

[0042] The feasible communication module includes one or more of the following: LoRa module, 2.5G communication module, 3G communication module, 4G communication module, and 5G communication module. The communication module integrates a positioning module, which can be either a GPS positioning module or a BeiDou positioning module. By setting the positioning module, users can query the device's location information at any time.

[0043] The collection process of the collection device provided in this embodiment is feasible and includes: before entering the water, both the collection chamber 01 and the constant pressure bladder 06 are filled with sterile water, or the constant pressure bladder 06 is filled with gas (at this time, the constant pressure bladder 06 should be above the collection box). As the body dives in, the pressure increases, and the seawater compresses the constant pressure bladder 06 to reduce its volume, thereby maintaining the balance between the pressure inside the collection box and the seawater pressure.

[0044] During the descent, the ball valve remains closed, preventing contamination of the eDNA passive collection membrane by the upper-layer seawater. Upon reaching the seabed, the timer switch control circuit closes and then opens, causing the electric actuator 04 to open the ball valve and then stop working. The ball valve remains open, allowing seawater to flow through the collection box, where the eight eDNA passive collection membranes adsorb the eDNA in the water. After a period of time, the timer switch closes and then opens again, closing the ball valve. The submersible then ascends with the eDNA collection module, ensuring that the eDNA passive collection membrane remains uncontaminated by the upper-layer seawater during the ascent.

[0045] In practice, the multiple underwater eDNA automatic collection devices in this embodiment can be deployed at multiple sites, that is, multiple devices can be deployed horizontally in series or vertically in series at different depths; the collection module includes long-term collection and short-term collection.

[0046] Long-term collection: Deployed and retrieved using the Lander lander (approximately one week).

[0047] Short-term collection: Lowering and retrieving the equipment such as CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth) instrument (several hours).

[0048] In summary, this embodiment proposes a survey procedure suitable for benthic swimming biodiversity in mining areas, providing scientific and effective data support for future polymetallic nodule mining schemes and environmental protection measures. The main advantages of this device are:

[0049] This system uses a passive eDNA collection device, which can achieve the effect of adsorbing and collecting eDNA without the need for complicated water treatment and active filtration equipment, thus extending the collection time and increasing the collection range; it is equipped with 8 filter membrane fixing slots evenly to increase the eDNA collection efficiency and achieve high-efficiency collection.

[0050] This embodiment features a constant-pressure airbag, which can withstand high pressure and is capable of operating in deep-sea environments.

[0051] This embodiment features a timed switch setting to ensure airtight storage during deployment and retrieval; the Lander platform enables the attachment of multiple devices, precise deployment, and retrieval.

[0052] This survey technology has solved the technical bottlenecks in deep-sea swimming biodiversity surveys, from sampling equipment to survey procedures. It has broad application prospects and will promote the sustainable development and utilization of deep-sea mineral resources in the future.

[0053] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An underwater eDNA collection system, characterized in that, It includes a user terminal and several collectors connected in series, each of which includes a collection chamber (01), a constant pressure chamber (06), a filter membrane fixing assembly, and a control unit; The collection chamber (01) is a cylindrical collection box with openings at both ends. A cylindrical valve (02) is installed at both ends of the collection chamber (01). An electric actuator (04) is installed on the outer side wall at both ends of the cylindrical collection box. The electric actuator (04) is used to control the opening and closing state of the corresponding cylindrical valve (02). The constant pressure bladder (06) is disposed above the collection chamber (01), and the constant pressure bladder (06) is connected to the interior of the collection chamber (01) through a connecting pipe (07); The filter membrane fixing assembly is disposed inside the collection chamber (01) and includes several filter membrane fixing slots, which are used to fix the eDNA collection filter membrane. The control unit includes a battery, a timing module and a communication module, wherein the battery, the timing module and the electric drive (04) are connected in sequence; The timing module of each collector is connected to the user terminal through a corresponding communication module.

2. The underwater eDNA collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each electric actuator (04) is connected to the valve stem of the corresponding cylindrical valve (02) via a gear set.

3. The underwater eDNA collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collectors are arranged in series horizontally or vertically at different depths.

4. The underwater eDNA collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each collector uses a lander to lower and retrieve its equipment, enabling long-term underwater eDNA collection.

5. The underwater eDNA collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each collector was installed on a temperature, salinity, and depth meter for equipment deployment and retrieval, enabling short-term underwater eDNA collection.

6. The underwater eDNA collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication module includes one or more of the following: LoRa module, 2.5G communication module, 3G communication module, 4G communication module, and 5G communication module.

7. The underwater eDNA collection system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The communication module also integrates a positioning module, which includes either a GPS positioning module or a BeiDou positioning module.

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