Comparison and evaluation methods for the removal of ethylene and other hydrocarbons from air for biological studies

A random sampling analysis of laboratory air and of air from commercially available cylinders indicated that they contain appreciable amounts of low molecular weight hydrocarbons, viz. methane, ethane, and ethylene, as contaminants. These impurities could lead to erroneous conclusions in studies of plant growth and metabolism. Different methods for removal of these contaminants were compared and evaluated in the present investigation for their suitability in plant studies. Most of the methods currently being used were found inadequate. The use of metal catalysts at high temperature, adapted from gas analysis techniques, provides an inexpensive and efficient method for removing hydrocarbons from air in both closed and continuous flow systems.