The world´s oceans are changing
The consequences of human behavior can be seen both above but also beneath the surface. In order for us to understand these changes we need to understand our oceans and for that we need data. Even though humans are a part of the problem we are also the solution and everyone and anyone can be a part of it. Therefore we are creating an opportunity to make a difference - an opportunity we call pHil.
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Keep scrolling to learn more!
Our mission
Our mission can be divided into 5 different areas, diving, data gaps, pH, citizen science and the future. Our objective is to better understand the ocean and its current state, as well as identifying areas where data gaps need to be filled, particularly with regards to pH levels. We aim to achieve this by exploring the perspective of the diving community, who are uniquely positioned to witness firsthand the effects of decreasing pH levels on marine life. Our ultimate goal is to empower divers to become citizen scientists and collect data using a sensor called pHil.
This is pHil,
pHil is a pH-meter meant to be used by citizen scientists to help fill Oceans Data Gaps. An easy to make and easy to use sensor that gathers pH-data that will be used by marine biologists and researchers. Since the sensor is made from accessible material such as standard tubes or simple electronics, citizens across the globe can with our help and descriptions build their own pHil and contribute with data.
Why is pH-data needed?
At the moment the amount of pH-data and the knowledge of local pH-variations is limited. We know that these variations are caused by biological activity and that the variations are both daily and seasonal but we don’t know enough to get the full sense of them. It is vital that we map the present in order to understand the future. Because if we don't understand these local pH-cycles we won't be able to influence them. If we lose control of the acidity variations their peaks and valleys could become so extreme that the organsims comes to harm and the consequences could be loss of biodiversity.
Get involved
Even though the clubs, associations and diving companies are our main focus, our goal is to involve as many divers as possible and as a private diver you can also get involved. If your club isn't already using pHil, involving them is a good way to start. In that way not only yourself but many others will be engaged, contributing with citizen science. However building your own sensor to bring on your own dives is also needed and appreciated! Please press the button below to read more about how you can get involved.
Data
Once you have built the sensor, it is super easy to start gathering data. All the software is open source on github, so you only need to type in one command on your raspberry pi in order to download it. Once the software is downloaded, the program is extremely user friendly. If you want to read more about how the data is gathered, or maybe download some data, please click below.
The process
pHil is a project that has been going on for about two months with a clear ongoing purpose of helping fill the pH data gap in our oceans. The work has included everything from gathering information and collecting knowledge about pH and the diving industry, to building an actual working sensor. With many obstacles to tackle, we eventually finished the sensor and ended the project. However, the journey has just begun and there is much more work to do. If you want to read more about the process, you can catch everything that has been documented in our logbook.
The team
The team consists of a group of six Chalmers students joined together in a mutual mission and goal - to develop a sensor that gathers pH-data for marine scientists and involves divers to contribute with citizen science. Find out more about the team here:
A deep dive
​The project has been considerably extensive, where we have conducted eleven interviews with experts in their fields. Furthermore, over twenty independent sources have been used in order to give us a deeper insight and complement the interviews. In our Deep Dive, you will discover all the materials that the group has utilized to execute each step of the project, starting from the initial pitch to the final webpage.
Future
With the interviews as a source, a PESTEL analysis was made to get a better understanding of the present situation of the diving industry. The future however, is just as, or even more, important to analyze. Therefore a scenario analysis was made, based on the PESTEL analysis. The purpose of this was to discuss possible future scenarios that will affect the diving industry and the future of pHil.
