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10:03
Extraction and Analysis of Microbial Phospholipid Fatty Acids in Soils
Published on: August 26, 2016
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Free phosphine from the anaerobic biosphere
D Glindemann1, U Stottmeister, A Bergmann
1Institute of Animal Hygiene und Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Semmelweisstraße 4, D-04103, Leipzig, Germany.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|November 16, 2013
Summary
Highly toxic phosphine gas is a common byproduct of anaerobic decomposition in environments like landfills and sewage sludge. This study confirms its presence and quantifies levels, highlighting potential hygiene concerns.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Putrefying organic matter can release toxic gases.
- Phosphine (PH3) is a highly toxic and mutagenic gas.
- Understanding the sources and prevalence of phosphine is crucial for environmental and public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and significance of phosphine liberation from putrefying media.
- To identify common sources of phosphine emission in the anaerobic biosphere.
- To quantify phosphine concentrations in emitted gases.
Main Methods:
- Gas chromatography was employed to detect and quantify free phosphine.
- Analysis focused on gases emitted from various anaerobic environments.
Main Results:
- Free phosphine was identified as a universal trace component in gases from the anaerobic biosphere.
- Detected sources include landfills, compost, sewage sludge, animal slurry, and river sediments.
- Maximum phosphine concentrations reached up to 20 parts per billion by volume (ppb(v/v)).
Conclusions:
- Phosphine is ubiquitously present in gases from anaerobic decomposition processes.
- The identified sources represent potential environmental and hygiene risks.
- Further research is warranted to assess the full impact of phosphine on environmental and public health.
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