This work is focused on the determination of H2 and CO2 and just a simple low-cost gas chromatograph for students was found to be sufficient to separate both compounds, although the column could be operated at room temperature only and thus the retention time reproducibility in the following chromatograms therefore may vary slightly with changing room temperature. Since our main interest was the determination of H2, ambient air was used as a carrier gas to achieve a highly sensitive response with a positive peak due to the big difference in heat conductivity by the thermal conductivity detector. CO2 on the other hand produces a negative peak at the end of the chromatograms contrary to the positive peak of H2 due to its lower heat conductivity in the flow of ambient air. As an alternative to the GC approach, a specific hydrogen sensor was used to prove the H2 emission. In that case, an electrical current is created, and a small red lamp lightens while the electrical output (volt) can be used if a quantitative evaluation of the H2 emission should be carried out. In the following examples, the GC-analysis is compared with the response from the H2 sensor and the result is included in the chromatograms either by the positive (+) or the missing ( ) H2 signal.
Author(s) Details:
Bruno Kolb
Student Research Centre, Überlingen, Obertorstrasse, Germany.
Recent Global Research Developments in Hydrogen Emission Monitoring in Food, Animals, and Lyme Disease
Monitoring Hydrogen Emission from Bacteria: A study developed a novel analytical technique to monitor hydrogen emission from anaerobic bacteria using a specific hydrogen sensor. This technique was applied to food, animals, and medical specimens, including ticks infected with Borrelia bacteria, which cause Lyme disease [1] .
Hydrogen Emission in Food Safety: Research has shown that monitoring hydrogen emissions can help detect bacterial contamination in food. This method provides a non-invasive way to ensure food safety by identifying the presence of harmful bacteria [1] .
Animal Health Monitoring: The same hydrogen emission monitoring technique has been used to detect bacterial infections in animals. This approach helps in early diagnosis and treatment, improving animal health and reducing the spread of infections [1] .
Lyme Disease Detection: The hydrogen sensor technique has been particularly useful in monitoring the progress of antibiotic therapy in Lyme disease patients. By measuring hydrogen emissions, researchers can assess the effectiveness of treatments and adjust them as needed [1] .
Comparative Studies: Studies comparing hydrogen emission monitoring with traditional methods like gas chromatography have shown that the sensor-based approach is more efficient and safer, as it minimizes direct contact with pathogens [1] .
References
- Kolb B, Riesterer L, Widenhorn A-M, Bier L. Monitoring of Hydrogen Emission from Bacteria in Food, Animals and in the Blood of Humans Suffering from Lyme Disease by A Specific Hydrogen Sensor. Antibiotics. 2020; 9(7):427. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics9070427
