Enhanced Raman multigas sensing - a novel tool for control and analysis of (13)CO(2) labeling experiments in environmental research

Comprehensive multi-gas study by means of fiber-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the investigation of nitrogen cycle processes

The extensive use of synthetic fertilizers has led to a considerable increase in reactive nitrogen input into agricultural and natural systems, resulting in negative effects in multiple ecosystems, the so-called nitrogen cascade. Since the global population relies on fertilization for food production, synthetic fertilizer use needs to be optimized by balancing crop yield and reactive nitrogen losses. Fiber-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (FERS) is introduced as a unique method for the simultaneous quantification of multiple gases to the study processes related to the nitrogen cycle. By monitoring changes in the headspace gas concentrations, processes such as denitrification, nitrification, respiration, and nitrogen fixation, as well as fertilizer addition were studied. The differences in concentration between the ambient and prepared process samples were evident in the Raman spectra, allowing for differentiation of process-specific spectra. Gas mixture concentrations were quantified within a range of low ppm to 100% for the gases N2, O2, CO2, N2O, and NH3. Compositional changes were attributed to processes of the nitrogen cycle. With help of multivariate curve resolution, it was possible to quantify N2O and CO2 simultaneously. The impact of fertilizers on N-cycle processes in soil was simulated and analyzed for identifying active processes. Thus, FERS was proven to be a suitable technique to optimize fertilizer composition and to quantify N2O and NH3 emissions, all with a single device and without further sample preparation.

Isotopomeric Peak Assignment for N2O in Cross-Labeling Experiments by Fiber-Enhanced Raman Multigas Spectroscopy

Human intervention in nature, especially fertilization, greatly increased the amount of N2O emission. While nitrogen fertilizer is used to improve nitrogen availability and thus plant growth, one negative side effect is the increased emission of N2O. Successful regulation and optimization strategies require detailed knowledge of the processes producing N2O in soil. Nitrification and denitrification, the main processes responsible for N2O emissions, can be differentiated using isotopic analysis of N2O. The interplay between these processes is complex, and studies to unravel the different contributions require isotopic cross-labeling and analytical techniques that enable tracking of the labeled compounds. Fiber-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (FERS) was exploited for sensitive quantification of N2O isotopomers alongside N2, O2, and CO2 in multigas compositions and in cross-labeling experiments. FERS enabled the selective and sensitive detection of specific molecular vibrations that could be assigned to various isotopomer peaks. The isotopomers 14N15N16O (2177 cm-1) and 15N14N16O (2202 cm-1) could be clearly distinguished, allowing site-specific measurements. Also, isotopomers containing different oxygen isotopes, such as 14N14N17O, 14N14N18O, 15N15N16O, and 15N14N18O could be identified. A cross-labeling showed the capability of FERS to disentangle the contributions of nitrification and denitrification to the total N2O fluxes while quantifying the total sample headspace composition. Overall, the presented results indicate the potential of FERS for isotopic studies of N2O, which could provide a deeper understanding of the different pathways of the nitrogen cycle.

The Mixing Ratio and Filling-Amount Affect the Tissue Browning and Antioxidant Properties of Fresh-Cut Baby Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and Rocket (Eruca sativa Mill.) Grown in Floating Growing Systems

Different types of baby leaf vegetables (BLV) are often mixed and packaged as salad mixes. This work has evaluated the effects of BLV mixing ratios (100% lettuce ‘Lollo Bionda’, 100 LB; 75% lettuce + 25% rocket, 75 LB; 50% lettuce + 50% rocket, 50 LB) and the weight filling amount (125 g filling amount, 125F; 250 g, 250F) on the antioxidant properties and browning potential (BP) of lettuce and rocket baby leaves during storage for 9 days at 4 °C in the dark. The samples were packaged in thermos-sealed bags previously prepared using polypropylene film. The results showed that the 50 LB mix had preserved high amounts of chlorophylls and internal nutrients on d9, regardless of the filling amount. No visible browning symptoms were detected in the 50 LB samples. The 50 LB × 125F mix was found to be the most efficient strategy to maintain the antioxidant property of BLV. Thus, the optimisation of the mixing ratio and its combination with an appropriate filling amount could represent an effective postharvest practice.

Low Temperature Nano Mechano-electrocatalytic CH4 Conversion

Transforming natural resources to energy sources, such as converting CH₄ to H₂ and carbon, at high efficiency and low cost is crucial for many industries and environmental sustainability. The high temperature requirement of CH₄ conversion regarding many of the current methods remains a critical bottleneck for their practical uptake. Here we report an approach based on gallium (Ga) liquid metal droplets, Ni(OH)₂ cocatalysts, and mechanical energy input that offers low-temperature and scalable CH₄ conversion into H₂ and carbon. Mainly driven by the triboelectric voltage, originating from the joint contributions of the cocatalysts during agitation, CH₄ is converted at the Ga and Ni(OH)₂ interface through nanotribo-electrochemical reaction pathways. The efficiency of the system is enhanced when the reaction is performed at an increased pressure. The dehydrogenation of other nongaseous hydrocarbons using this approach is also demonstrated. This technology presents a possible low energy route for CH₄ conversion without involving high temperature and harsh operating conditions.

Liquid-Metal-Enabled Mechanical-Energy-Induced CO2 Conversion

A green carbon capture and conversion technology offering scalability and economic viability for mitigating CO₂ emissions is reported. The technology uses suspensions of gallium liquid metal to reduce CO₂ into carbonaceous solid products and O₂ at near room temperature. The nonpolar nature of the liquid gallium interface allows the solid products to instantaneously exfoliate, hence keeping active sites accessible. The solid co-contributor of silver-gallium rods ensures a cyclic sustainable process. The overall process relies on mechanical energy as the input, which drives nano-dimensional triboelectrochemical reactions. When a gallium/silver fluoride mix at 7:1 mass ratio is employed to create the reaction material, 92% efficiency is obtained at a remarkably low input energy of 230 kWh (excluding the energy used for dissolving CO₂ ) for the capture and conversion of a tonne of CO₂ . This green technology presents an economical solution for CO₂ emissions.

Depolarization Ratio of the ν1 Raman Band of Pure CH4 and Perturbed by N2 and CO2

In this work, the effect of nitrogen and carbon dioxide on the depolarization ratio of the ν₁ band of methane in the pressure range of 0.1–5 MPa is studied. A high-sensitivity single-pass Raman spectrometer was used to obtain accurate results. Moreover, we took into account the overlap of the ν₁ band by the ν₃ and ν₂ + ν₄ bands using the simulation of their spectra. The depolarization ratio of the ν₁ band in pure methane is within 0–0.001, and the effect of nitrogen and carbon dioxide on this parameter is negligible in the indicated pressure range. The obtained results are useful for correct simulation of the Raman spectrum of methane at different pressures, which is necessary to improve the accuracy of gas analysis methods using Raman spectroscopy.

Micro-Lensed Negative-Curvature Fibre Probe for Raman Spectroscopy

We developed a novel miniature micro-lensed fibre probe for Raman spectroscopy. The fibre probe consists of a single negative-curvature fibre (NCF) and a spliced, cleaved, micro-lensed fibre cap. Using a single NCF, we minimized the Raman background generated from the silica and maintained the diameter of the probe at less than 0.5 mm. In addition, the cap provided fibre closure by blocking the sample from entering the hollow parts of the fibre, enabling the use of the probe in in vivo applications. Moreover, the micro-lensed cap offered an improved collection efficiency (1.5-times increase) compared to a cleaved end-cap. The sensing capabilities of the micro-lensed probe were demonstrated by measuring different concentrations of glucose in aqueous solutions.

Advanced spectroscopic analysis and 15N-isotopic labelling study of nitrate and nitrite reduction to ammonia and nitrous oxide by E. coli

Nitrate and nitrite reduction to ammonia and nitrous oxide by anaerobic E. coli batch cultures is investigated by advanced spectroscopic analytical techniques with ¹⁵N-isotopic labelling. Non-invasive, in situ analysis of the headspace is achieved using White cell FTIR and cavity-enhanced Raman (CERS) spectroscopies alongside liquid-phase Raman spectroscopy. For gas-phase analysis, White cell FTIR measures CO₂, ethanol and N₂O while CERS allows H₂, N₂ and O₂ monitoring. The 6 m pathlength White cell affords trace gas detection of N₂O with a noise equivalent detection limit of 60 nbar or 60 ppbv in 1 atm. Quantitative analysis is discussed for all four ¹⁴N/¹⁵N-isotopomers of N₂O. Monobasic and dibasic phosphates, acetate, formate, glucose and NO₃^- concentrations are obtained by liquid-phase Raman spectroscopy, with a noise equivalent detection limit of 0.6 mM for NO₃^- at 300 s integration time. Concentrations of the phosphate anions are used to calculate the pH in situ using a modified Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. NO₂^- concentrations are determined by sampling for colorimetric analysis and NH₄⁺ by basifying samples to release ¹⁴N/¹⁵N-isotopomers of NH₃ for measurement in a second FTIR White cell. The reductions of ¹⁵NO₃^-, ¹⁵NO₂^-, and mixed ¹⁵NO₃^- and ¹⁴NO₂^- by anaerobic E. coli batch cultures are discussed. In a major pathway, NO₃^- is reduced to NH₄⁺via NO₂^-, with the bulk of NO₂^- reduction occurring after NO₃^- depletion. Using isotopically labelled ¹⁵NO₃^-, ¹⁵NH₄⁺ production is distinguished from background ¹⁴NH₄⁺ in the growth medium. In a minor pathway, NO₂^- is reduced to N₂O via the toxic radical NO. With excellent detection sensitivities, N₂O serves as a monitor for trace NO₂^- reduction, even when cells are predominantly reducing NO₃^-. The analysis of N₂O isotopomers reveals that for cultures supplemented with mixed ¹⁵NO₃^- and ¹⁴NO₂^- enzymatic activity to reduce ¹⁴NO₂^- occurs immediately, even before ¹⁵NO₃^- reduction begins. Optical density and pH measurements are discussed in the context of acetate, formate and CO₂ production. H₂ production is repressed by NO₃^-; but in experiments with NO₂^- supplementation only, CERS detects H₂ produced by formate disproportionation after NO₂^- depletion.

Isotopic trace analysis of water vapor with multipass cavity Raman scattering

Cavity-enhanced spontaneous Raman scattering was investigated as a means of simple and inexpensive isotopic water analysis. A multimode blue laser diode equipped with a feedback-generating multipass cavity provided a 100-fold Raman enhancement at a pump linewidth of 3.5 cm^-1. Samples containing trace amounts of ¹H²H¹⁶O were probed at deuterium-hydrogen concentration ratios ranging from 157 parts-per-million (local seawater) down to 8 parts-per-million (deuterium depleted water). All measurements were performed in argon or dried air at atmospheric pressure at ¹H²H¹⁶O concentrations nearing 100 parts per billion with an uncooled camera at exposure times as short as a few minutes.

Low-cost chamber design for simultaneous CO2 and O2 flux measurements between tree stems and the atmosphere

Tree stem CO2 efflux is an important component of ecosystem carbon fluxes and has been the focus of many studies. While CO2 efflux can easily be measured, a growing number of studies have shown that it is not identical with actual in situ respiration. Complementing measurements of CO2 flux with simultaneous measurements of O2 flux provides an additional proxy for respiration, and the combination of both fluxes can potentially help getting closer to actual measures of respiratory fluxes. To date, however, the technical challenge to measure relatively small changes in O2 concentration against its high atmospheric background has prevented routine O2 measurements in field applications. Here, we present a new and low-cost field-tested device for autonomous real-time and quasi-continuous long-term measurements of stem respiration by combining CO2 (NDIR-based) and O2 (quenching-based) sensors in a tree stem chamber. Our device operates as a cyclic-closed system and measures changes in both CO2 and O2 concentration within the chamber over time. The device is battery powered with a >1-week power independence, and data acquisition is conveniently achieved by an internal logger. Results from both field and laboratory tests document that our sensors provide reproducible measurements of CO2 and O2 exchange fluxes under varying environmental conditions.

Acclimation of leaf photosynthesis and respiration to warming in field-grown wheat

Climate change and future warming will significantly affect crop yield. The capacity of crops to dynamically adjust physiological processes (i.e., acclimate) to warming might improve overall performance. Understanding and quantifying the degree of acclimation in field crops could ensure better parameterization of crop and Earth System models and predictions of crop performance. We hypothesized that for field-grown wheat, when measured at a common temperature (25°C), crops grown under warmer conditions would exhibit acclimation, leading to enhanced crop performance and yield. Acclimation was defined as (a) decreased rates of net photosynthesis at 25°C (A²⁵ ) coupled with lower maximum carboxylation capacity (V_cmax²⁵ ), (b) reduced leaf dark respiration at 25°C (both in terms of O₂ consumption R_dark _O₂²⁵ and CO₂ efflux R_dark _CO₂²⁵ ) and (c) lower R_dark _CO₂²⁵ to V_cmax²⁵ ratio. Field experiments were conducted over two seasons with 20 wheat genotypes, sown at three different planting dates, to test these hypotheses. Leaf-level CO₂ -based traits (A²⁵ , R_dark _CO₂²⁵ and V_cmax²⁵ ) did not show the classic acclimation responses that we hypothesized; by contrast, the hypothesized changes in R_{dark_} O₂ were observed. These findings have implications for predictive crop models that assume similar temperature response among these physiological processes and for predictions of crop performance in a future warmer world.

A Short Review of Cavity-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Gas Analysis

The market of gas sensors is mainly governed by electrochemical, semiconductor, and non-dispersive infrared absorption (NDIR)-based optical sensors. Despite offering a wide range of detectable gases, unknown gas mixtures can be challenging to these sensor types, as appropriate combinations of sensors need to be chosen beforehand, also reducing cross-talk between them. As an optical alternative, Raman spectroscopy can be used, as, in principle, no prior knowledge is needed, covering nearly all gas compounds. Yet, it has the disadvantage of a low quantum yield through a low scattering cross section for gases. There have been various efforts to circumvent this issue by enhancing the Raman yield through different methods. For gases, in particular, cavity-enhanced Raman spectroscopy shows promising results. Here, cavities can be used to enhance the laser beam power, allowing higher laser beam-analyte interaction lengths, while also providing the opportunity to utilize lower cost equipment. In this work, we review cavity-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, particularly the general research interest into this topic, common setups, and already achieved resolutions.

Raman Laser Spectrometer: Application to 12C/13C Isotope Identification in CH4 and CO2 Greenhouse Gases

A compact Raman laser gas spectrometer is developed. It comprises a high-power green laser at 532.123 nm as an excitation source and a specially designed gas cell with an internal volume of less than 0.6 cm3 that can withstand gas pressures up to 100 atm. The resolution of the spectrometer is ~1 cm−1. The Raman spectra of chemically pure isotopically enriched carbon dioxide (12CO2, 13CO2) and methane (12CH4, 13CH4) gases are studied. The expected limit of detection (LOD) is less than 100 ppm for the isotopologues of CO2 and less than 25 ppm for those of CH4 (at a gas pressure of 50 atm.), making the developed spectrometer promising for studying the sources of emissions of greenhouse gases by resolving their isotopologue composition. We also show the suitability of the spectrometer for Raman spectroscopy of human exhalation.

Cavity-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with optical feedback frequency-locking for gas sensing

A cavity-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (CERS) gas-sensing method is introduced. Using optical feedback frequency-locking, laser radiation provided by a diode laser is coupled into a three-mirror V-shaped optical cavity. An intracavity laser power of 92 W is realized, yielding a power gain factor of 2200. Raman spectrums of air, carbon dioxide, and acetylene are recorded as a demonstration. Multicomponent gas mixtures including isotopic gases can be simultaneously sensed by CERS. With 200 s exposure time, detection limits of 5.35 Pa for N₂, 5.07 Pa for O₂, 1.74 Pa for CO₂, and 0.58 Pa for C₂H₂ are achieved. CERS is a powerful gas-sensing method with high selectivity and sensitivity, which also has the potential for quantitative analysis of gases with high accuracy.

Cavity-Enhanced Raman and Helmholtz Resonator Photoacoustic Spectroscopy to Monitor the Mixed Sugar Metabolism of E. coli

We introduce and compare two powerful new techniques for headspace gas analysis above bacterial batch cultures by spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy enhanced in an optical cavity (CERS), and photoacoustic detection in a differential Helmholtz resonator (DHR). Both techniques are able to monitor O₂ and CO₂ and its isotopomers with excellent sensitivity and time resolution to characterize bacterial growth and metabolism. We discuss and show some of the shortcomings of more conventional optical density (OD) measurements if used on their own without more sophisticated complementary measurements. The spectroscopic measurements can clearly and unambiguously distinguish the main phases of bacterial growth in the two media studied, LB and M9. We demonstrate how ¹³C isotopic labeling of sugars combined with spectroscopic detection allows the study of bacterial mixed sugar metabolism to establish whether sugars are sequentially or simultaneously metabolized. For E. coli, we have characterized the shift from glucose to lactose metabolism without a classic diauxic lag phase. DHR and CERS are shown to be cost-effective and highly selective analytical tools in the biosciences and in biotechnology, complementing and superseding existing conventional techniques. They also provide new capabilities for mechanistic investigations and show a great deal of promise for use in stable isotope bioassays.

Diode laser photoacoustic spectroscopy of CO2, H2S and O2 in a differential Helmholtz resonator for trace gas analysis in the biosciences and petrochemistry

Photoacoustic spectroscopy in a differential Helmholtz resonator has been employed with near-IR and red diode lasers for the detection of CO2, H2S and O2 in 1 bar of air/N2 and natural gas, in static and flow cell measurements. With the red distributed feedback (DFB) diode laser, O2 can be detected at 764.3 nm with a noise equivalent detection limit of 0.60 mbar (600 ppmv) in 1 bar of air (35-mW laser, 1-s integration), corresponding to a normalised absorption coefficient α = 2.2 × 10-8 cm-1 W s1/2. Within the tuning range of the near-IR DFB diode laser (6357-6378 cm-1), CO2 and H2S absorption features can be accessed, with a noise equivalent detection limit of 0.160 mbar (160 ppmv) CO2 in 1 bar N2 (30-mW laser, 1-s integration), corresponding to a normalised absorption coefficient α = 8.3 × 10-9 cm-1 W s1/2. Due to stronger absorptions, the noise equivalent detection limit of H2S in 1 bar N2 is 0.022 mbar (22 ppmv) at 1-s integration time. Similar detection limits apply to trace impurities in 1 bar natural gas. Detection limits scale linearly with laser power and with the square root of integration time. At 16-s total measurement time to obtain a spectrum, a noise equivalent detection limit of 40 ppmv CO2 is obtained after a spectral line fitting procedure, for example. Possible interferences due to weak water and methane absorptions have been discussed and shown to be either negligible or easy to correct. The setup has been used for simultaneous in situ monitoring of O2, CO2 and H2S in the cysteine metabolism of microbes (E. coli), and for the analysis of CO2 and H2S impurities in natural gas. Due to the inherent signal amplification and noise cancellation, photoacoustic spectroscopy in a differential Helmholtz resonator has a great potential for trace gas analysis, with possible applications including safety monitoring of toxic gases and applications in the biosciences and for natural gas analysis in petrochemistry. Graphical abstract.

Fiber-Enhanced Raman Gas Spectroscopy for 18O-13C-Labeling Experiments

Stable isotopes are used in ecology to track and disentangle different processes and pathways. Especially for studies focused on the gas exchange of plants, sensing techniques that offer oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) sensitivity with isotopic discrimination are highly sought after. Addressing this challenge, fiber-enhanced Raman gas spectroscopy is introduced as a fast optical technique directly combining ¹³CO₂ and ¹²CO₂ as well as ¹⁸O₂ and ¹⁶O₂ measurements in one instrument. We demonstrate how a new type of optical hollow-core fiber, the so-called revolver fiber, is utilized for enhanced Raman gas sensing. Carbon dioxide and oxygen isotopologues were measured at concentrations expected when using ¹³C- and ¹⁸O-labeled gases in plant experiments. Limits of detection have been determined to be 25 ppm for CO₂ and 150 ppm for O₂. The combination of measurements with different integration times allows the creation of highly resolved broadband spectra. With the help of calculations based on density functional theory, the line at 1512 cm^-1 occurring in the oxygen spectrum is assigned to ¹⁸O¹⁶O. The relative abundances of the isotopologues ¹⁸O¹⁶O and nitrogen ¹⁵N¹⁴N were in good agreement with typical values. For CO₂, fiber-enhanced Raman spectra show the Fermi diad and hotbands of ¹²C¹⁶O₂, ¹³C¹⁶O₂, and ¹²C¹⁸O¹⁶O. Several weak lines were observed, and the line at 1426 cm^-1 was identified as originating from the (0 4 0 2) → (0 2 0 2) transition of ¹²C¹⁶O₂. With the demonstrated sensitivity and discriminatory power, fiber-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is a possible alternative means to investigate plant metabolism, directly combining ¹³CO₂ and ¹²CO₂ measurements with ¹⁸O₂ and ¹⁶O₂ measurements in one instrument. The presented method thus has large potential for basic analytical investigations as well as for applications in the environmental sciences.

Gas-phase Raman spectroscopy of non-reacting flows: comparison between free-space and cavity-based spontaneous Raman emission

We report on a comparison of free-space and cavity-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for gas-phase measurements of nitrogen and oxygen in ambient air. Real-time analysis capabilities and continuous Raman signals with low power diodes make the technique non-invasive, affordable, compact, and applicable for usage in non-reacting flows. We derive a comprehensive model for estimation of photon emission for both free-space and cavity-based signals and discuss trade-offs in how to organize the cavity geometry for maximum gain relative to free space. Measurements in both free and cavity configurations are compared to the expected signals, demonstrating the usefulness of the model in predicting amplification. The present results can serve as a quick guide on how to use low-power continuous wave lasers in a cavity setup to obtain enhanced laser-induced spontaneous Raman scattering.

Fiber-Enhanced Raman Sensing of Cefuroxime in Human Urine

Fiber-enhanced Raman spectroscopy was developed for the chemically selective and sensitive quantification of the important antibiotic cefuroxime in human urine. A novel optical sensor fiber was drawn and precisely prepared. In this fiber structure, light is strongly confined in the selectively filled liquid core, and the Raman scattered signal is collected with unprecedented efficiency over an extended interaction length. The filling, emptying, and robustness are highly improved due to the large core size (>30 μm). Broadband step-index guidance allows the free choice of the most suitable excitation wavelength in complex body fluids. The limit of detection of cefuroxime in human urine was improved by 2 orders of magnitude (to μM level). The quantification of cefuroxime was achieved in urine after oral administration. This method has great potential for the point-of-care monitoring of antibiotics concentrations and is an important step forward to enable clinicians to rapidly adjust doses.

Fiber enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis as a novel method for diagnosis and monitoring of diseases related to hyperbilirubinemia and hyperbiliverdinemia

Fiber enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy (FERS) is introduced for chemically selective and ultrasensitive analysis of the biomolecules hematin, hemoglobin, biliverdin, and bilirubin. The abilities for analyzing whole intact, oxygenated erythrocytes are proven, demonstrating the potential for the diagnosis of red blood cell related diseases, such as different types of anemia and hemolytic disorders. The optical fiber enables an efficient light-guiding within a miniaturized sample volume of only a few micro-liters and provides a tremendously improved analytical sensitivity (LODs of 0.5 μM for bilirubin and 0.13 μM for biliverdin with proposed improvements down to the pico-molar range). FERS is a less invasive method than the standard ones and could be a new analytical method for monitoring neonatal jaundice, allowing a precise control of the unconjugated serum bilirubin levels, and therefore, providing a better prognosis for newborns. The potential for sensing very low concentrations of the bile pigments may also open up new opportunities for cancer research. The abilities of FERS as a diagnostic tool are explored for the elucidation of jaundice with different etiologies including the rare, not yet well understood diseases manifested in green jaundice. This is demonstrated by quantifying clinically relevant concentrations of bilirubin and biliverdin simultaneously in the micro-molar range: for the case of hyperbilirubinemia due to malignancy, infectious hepatitis, cirrhosis or stenosis of the common bile duct (1 μM biliverdin together with 50 μM bilirubin) and for hyperbiliverdinemia (25 μM biliverdin and 75 μM bilirubin). FERS has high potential as an ultrasensitive analytical technique for a wide range of biomolecules and in various life-science applications.

Onsite cavity enhanced Raman spectrometry for the investigation of gas exchange processes in the Earth's critical zone

Raman gas spectrometry is introduced as a robust, versatile method for onsite, battery-powered field measurements of gases in the unsaturated and saturated critical zone. In this study, depth-profiles of the concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide were simultaneously monitored down to ∼70 meters depth in the subsurface via a transect of drilling holes located in the Hainich Critical Zone Exploratory in central Germany. A special multichannel monitoring system was designed to access and analyze these gases non-consumptively onsite in a closed loop measurement cycle. During the timeframe of six months, seasonal changes in groundwater levels and microbial activity were related to changes observed in gas concentrations. High oxygen concentrations were found in the depths surrounding a karstified aquifer complex, while low oxygen concentrations were found in a fractured aquifer complex. Raman gas depth-profiles complement standard dissolved oxygen measurements as they also deliver oxygen concentrations in the unsaturated zone. The measured depth-profiles of the gas concentrations indicated that regions of anoxia can exist between the aquifer complexes. Lateral transport of O₂ in the deeper aquifer complex provides a local source of O₂ that can influence metabolism. Correlations were found between the observed CO₂ concentrations and pH-values, indicating strong control of carbonate equilibria. The concentrations of O₂ and CO₂ were largely decoupled, thus simultaneous measurements of O₂ soil effluxes give additional insights into biotic and abiotic processes in the Hainich CZE. These results illustrate the versatility of robust onsite Raman multigas measurements of the soil atmosphere and how they can contribute to the analysis of complex processes in previous uncharacterized environments in the critical zone.

Monitoring of gas composition in a laboratory biogas plant using cavity enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Cavity-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for online detection of multiple gases during the process of biogas production.

Ultrasensitive Detection of Antiseptic Antibiotics in Aqueous Media and Human Urine Using Deep UV Resonance Raman Spectroscopy

Deep UV resonance Raman spectroscopy is introduced as an analytical tool for ultrasensitive analysis of antibiotics used for empirical treatment of patients with sepsis and septic shock, that is, moxifloxacin, meropenem, and piperacillin in aqueous solution and human urine. By employing the resonant excitation wavelengths λ_exc = 244 nm and λ_exc = 257 nm, only a small sample volume and short acquisition times are needed. For a better characterization of the matrix urine, the main ingredients were investigated. The capability of detecting the antibiotics in clinically relevant concentrations in aqueous media (LODs: 13.0 ± 1.4 μM for moxifloxacin, 43.6 ± 10.7 μM for meropenem, and 7.1 ± 0.6 μM for piperacillin) and in urine (LODs: 36.6 ± 11.0 μM for moxifloxacin, and 114.8 ± 3.1 μM for piperacillin) points toward the potential of UV Raman spectroscopy as point-of-care method for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). This procedure enables physicians to achieve fast adequate dosing of antibiotics to improve the outcome of patients with sepsis.

Cavity-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy in the Biosciences: In Situ, Multicomponent, and Isotope Selective Gas Measurements To Study Hydrogen Production and Consumption by Escherichia coli

Recently we introduced cavity-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (CERS) with optical feedback cw-diode lasers as a sensitive analytical tool. Here we report improvements made on the technique and its first application in the biosciences for in situ, multicomponent, and isotope selective gas measurements to study hydrogen production and consumption by Escherichia coli. Under anaerobic conditions, cultures grown on rich media supplemented with d-glucose or glycerol produce H₂ and simultaneously consume some of it. By introducing D₂ in the headspace, hydrogen production and consumption could be separated due to the distinct spectroscopic signatures of isotopomers. Different phases with distinctly different kinetic regimes of H₂ and CO₂ production and D₂ consumption were identified. Some of the D₂ consumed is converted back to H₂ via H/D exchange with the solvent. HD was formed only as a minor component. This reflects either that H/D exchange at hydrogenase active sites is rapid compared to the rate of recombination, rapid recapture of HD occurs after the molecule is formed, or that the active sites where D₂ oxidation and proton reduction occur are physically separated. Whereas in glucose supplemented cultures, addition of D₂ led to an increase in H₂ produced, while the yield of CO₂ remained unchanged; with glycerol, addition of D₂ led not only to increased yields of H₂, but also significantly increased CO₂ production, reflecting an impact on fermentation pathways. Addition of CO was found to completely inhibit H₂ production and significantly reduce D₂ oxidation, indicating at least some role for O₂-tolerant Hyd-1 in D₂ consumption.

All-in-one: a versatile gas sensor based on fiber enhanced Raman spectroscopy for monitoring postharvest fruit conservation and ripening

In today's fruit conservation rooms the ripening of harvested fruit is delayed by precise management of the interior oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Ethylene (C2H4), a natural plant hormone, is commonly used to trigger fruit ripening shortly before entering the market. Monitoring of these critical process gases, also of the increasingly favored cooling agent ammonia (NH3), is a crucial task in modern postharvest fruit management. The goal of this work was to develop and characterize a gas sensor setup based on fiber enhanced Raman spectroscopy for fast (time resolution of a few minutes) and non-destructive process gas monitoring throughout the complete postharvest production chain encompassing storage and transport in fruit conservation chambers as well as commercial fruit ripening in industrial ripening rooms. Exploiting a micro-structured hollow-core photonic crystal fiber for analyte gas confinement and sensitivity enhancement, the sensor features simultaneous quantification of O2, CO2, NH3 and C2H4 without cross-sensitivity in just one single measurement. Laboratory measurements of typical fruit conservation gas mixtures showed that the sensor is capable of quantifying O2 and CO2 concentration levels with accuracy of 3% or less with respect to reference concentrations. The sensor detected ammonia concentrations, relevant for chemical alarm purposes. Due to the high spectral resolution of the gas sensor, ethylene could be quantified simultaneously with O2 and CO2 in a multi-component mixture. These results indicate that fiber enhanced Raman sensors have a potential to become universally usable on-site gas sensors for controlled atmosphere applications in postharvest fruit management.

Vibrational spectroscopic characterization of arylisoquinolines by means of Raman spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations

Seven new AIQ antimalarial agents were investigated using FT-NIR and deep-UV resonance Raman spectroscopy.

Direct Raman Spectroscopic Measurements of Biological Nitrogen Fixation under Natural Conditions: An Analytical Approach for Studying Nitrogenase Activity

Biological N₂ fixation is a major input of bioavailable nitrogen, which represents the most frequent factor limiting the agricultural production throughout the world. Especially, the symbiotic association between legumes and Rhizobium bacteria can provide substantial amounts of nitrogen (N) and reduce the need for industrial fertilizers. Despite its importance in the global N cycle, rates of biological nitrogen fixation have proven difficult to quantify. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a simple analytical approach to measure biological N₂ fixation rates directly without a proxy or isotopic labeling. We determined a mean N₂ fixation rate of 78 ± 5 μmol N₂ (g dry weight nodule)^-1 h^-1 of a Medicago sativa-Rhizobium consortium by continuously analyzing the amount of atmospheric N₂ in static environmental chambers with Raman gas spectroscopy. By simultaneously analyzing the CO₂ uptake and photosynthetic plant activity, we think that a minimum CO₂ mixing ratio might be needed for natural N₂ fixation and only used the time interval above this minimum CO₂ mixing ratio for N₂ fixation rate calculations. The proposed approach relies only on noninvasive measurements of the gas phase and, given its simplicity, indicates the potential to estimate biological nitrogen fixation of legume symbioses not only in laboratory experiments. The same methods can presumably also be used to detect N₂ fluxes by denitrification from ecosystems to the atmosphere.

Raman Gas Analyzer (RGA): Natural Gas Measurements

In the present work, an improved model of the Raman gas analyzer (RGA) of natural gas (NG) developed by us is described together with its operating principle. The sensitivity has been improved and the number of measurable gases has been expanded. Results of its approbation on a real NG sample are presented for different measurement times. A comparison of the data obtained with the results of chromatographic analysis demonstrates their good agreement. The time stability of the results obtained using this model is analyzed. It is experimentally established that the given RGA can reliably determine the content of all molecular NG components whose content exceeds 0.005% for 100 s; moreover, in this case the limiting sensitivity for some NG components is equal to 0.002%.

Parabolic cell for low-background Raman analysis of gas samples

A compact Raman system constructed by a parabolic sample cell and an imaging spectrograph, which has good capability for enhancing a Raman signal and compressing a continuous background, has been put forward. In the Raman spectra of ambient air acquired by this system, the signal level of N₂ was enhanced up to 14 times compared with free space, and the related signal to background ratio was increased nearly to 96. With an integration time of 10 s, the rotational fine structure of O₂ and N₂ were clearly recognized. Besides, a standard analytic gas mixture consisting of H₂, CO₂, and CO was also tested, and the 3σ LODs of 68 ppm for H₂, 54 ppm for CO₂ and 116 ppm for CO were obtained.

Multigas Leakage Correction in Static Environmental Chambers Using Sulfur Hexafluoride and Raman Spectroscopy

In static environmental chamber experiments, the precision of gas flux measurements can be significantly improved by a thorough gas leakage correction to avoid under- or overestimation of biological activity such as respiration or photosynthesis. Especially in the case of small biological net gas exchange rates or gas accumulation phases during long environmental monitoring experiments, gas leakage fluxes could distort the analysis of the biogenic gas kinetics. Here we propose and demonstrate a general protocol for online correction of diffusion-driven gas leakage in plant chambers by simultaneous quantification of the inert tracer sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and the investigated biogenic gases using enhanced Raman spectroscopy. By quantifying the leakage rates of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and hydrogen (H2) simultaneously with SF6 in the test chamber, their effective diffusivity ratios of approximately 1.60, 1.96, and 5.65 were determined, each related to SF6. Because our experiments suggest that the effective diffusivity ratios are reproducible for an individual static environmental chamber, even under varying concentration gradients and slight changes of the chamber sealing, an experimental method to quantify gas leakage fluxes by using effective diffusivity ratios and SF6 leakage fluxes is proposed. The method is demonstrated by quantifying the CO2 net exchange rate of a plant-soil ecosystem (Mirabilis jalapa). By knowing the effective chamber diffusivity ratio CO2/SF6 and the measured SF6 leakage rate during the experiment, the leakage contribution to the total CO2 exchange rate could be calculated and the biological net CO2 concentration change within the chamber atmosphere determined.

Fiber array based hyperspectral Raman imaging for chemical selective analysis of malaria-infected red blood cells

A new setup for Raman spectroscopic wide-field imaging is presented. It combines the advantages of a fiber array based spectral translator with a tailor-made laser illumination system for high-quality Raman chemical imaging of sensitive biological samples. The Gaussian-like intensity distribution of the illuminating laser beam is shaped by a square-core optical multimode fiber to a top-hat profile with very homogeneous intensity distribution to fulfill the conditions of Koehler. The 30 m long optical fiber and an additional vibrator efficiently destroy the polarization and coherence of the illuminating light. This homogeneous, incoherent illumination is an essential prerequisite for stable quantitative imaging of complex biological samples. The fiber array translates the two-dimensional lateral information of the Raman stray light into separated spectral channels with very high contrast. The Raman image can be correlated with a corresponding white light microscopic image of the sample. The new setup enables simultaneous quantification of all Raman spectra across the whole spatial area with very good spectral resolution and thus outperforms other Raman imaging approaches based on scanning and tunable filters. The unique capabilities of the setup for fast, gentle, sensitive, and selective chemical imaging of biological samples were applied for automated hemozoin analysis. A special algorithm was developed to generate Raman images based on the hemozoin distribution in red blood cells without any influence from other Raman scattering. The new imaging setup in combination with the robust algorithm provides a novel, elegant way for chemical selective analysis of the malaria pigment hemozoin in early ring stages of Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes.

Pinus sylvestris switches respiration substrates under shading but not during drought

Reduced carbon (C) assimilation during prolonged drought forces trees to rely on stored C to maintain vital processes like respiration. It has been shown, however, that the use of carbohydrates, a major C storage pool and apparently the main respiratory substrate in plants, strongly declines with decreasing plant hydration. Yet no empirical evidence has been produced to what degree other C storage compounds like lipids and proteins may fuel respiration during drought. We exposed young scots pine trees to C limitation using either drought or shading and assessed respiratory substrate use by monitoring the respiratory quotient, δ(13) C of respired CO2 and concentrations of the major storage compounds, that is, carbohydrates, lipids and amino acids. Only shaded trees shifted from carbohydrate-dominated to lipid-dominated respiration and showed progressive carbohydrate depletion. In drought trees, the fraction of carbohydrates used in respiration did not decline but respiration rates were strongly reduced. The lower consumption and potentially allocation from other organs may have caused initial carbohydrate content to remain constant during the experiment. Our results suggest that respiratory substrates other than carbohydrates are used under carbohydrate limitation but not during drought. Thus, respiratory substrate shift cannot provide an efficient means to counterbalance C limitation under natural drought.

Cavity-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Natural Gas with Optical Feedback cw-Diode Lasers

We report on improvements made on our previously introduced technique of cavity-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (CERS) with optical feedback cw-diode lasers in the gas phase, including a new mode-matching procedure which keeps the laser in resonance with the optical cavity without inducing long-term frequency shifts of the laser, and using a new CCD camera with improved noise performance. With 10 mW of 636.2 nm diode laser excitation and 30 s integration time, cavity enhancement achieves noise-equivalent detection limits below 1 mbar at 1 bar total pressure, depending on Raman cross sections. Detection limits can be easily improved using higher power diodes. We further demonstrate a relevant analytical application of CERS, the multicomponent analysis of natural gas samples. Several spectroscopic features have been identified and characterized. CERS with low power diode lasers is suitable for online monitoring of natural gas mixtures with sensitivity and spectroscopic selectivity, including monitoring H2, H2S, N2, CO2, and alkanes.

Microbial respiration and natural attenuation of benzene contaminated soils investigated by cavity enhanced Raman multi-gas spectroscopy

Soil and groundwater contamination with benzene can cause serious environmental damage. However, many soil microorganisms are capable to adapt and are known to strongly control the fate of organic contamination. Innovative cavity enhanced Raman multi-gas spectroscopy (CERS) was applied to investigate the short-term response of the soil micro-flora to sudden surface contamination with benzene regarding the temporal variations of gas products and their exchange rates with the adjacent atmosphere. (13)C-labeled benzene was spiked on a silty-loamy soil column in order to track and separate the changes in heterotrophic soil respiration - involving (12)CO2 and O2- from the natural attenuation process of benzene degradation to ultimately form (13)CO2. The respiratory quotient (RQ) decreased from a value 0.98 to 0.46 directly after the spiking and increased again within 33 hours to a value of 0.72. This coincided with the maximum (13)CO2 concentration rate (0.63 μmol m(-2) s(-1)), indicating the highest benzene degradation at 33 hours after the spiking event. The diffusion of benzene in the headspace and the biodegradation into (13)CO2 were simultaneously monitored and 12 days after the benzene spiking no measurable degradation was detected anymore. The RQ finally returned to a value of 0.96 demonstrating the reestablished aerobic respiration.

Rapid monitoring of intermediate states and mass balance of nitrogen during denitrification by means of cavity enhanced Raman multi-gas sensing

The comprehensive investigation of changes in N cycling has been challenging so far due to difficulties with measuring gases such as N2 and N2O simultaneously. In this study we introduce cavity enhanced Raman gas spectroscopy as a new analytical methodology for tracing the stepwise reduction of (15)N-labelled nitrate by the denitrifying bacteria Pseudomonas stutzeri. The unique capabilities of Raman multi-gas analysis enabled real-time, continuous, and non-consumptive quantification of the relevant gases ((14)N2, (14)N2O, O2, and CO2) and to trace the fate of (15)N-labeled nitrate substrate ((15)N2, (15)N2O) added to a P. stutzeri culture with one single measurement. Using this new methodology, we could quantify the kinetics of the formation and degradation for all gaseous compounds (educts and products) and thus study the reaction orders. The gas quantification was complemented with the analysis of nitrate and nitrite concentrations for the online monitoring of the total nitrogen element budget. The simultaneous quantification of all gases also enabled the contactless and sterile online acquisition of the pH changes in the P. stutzeri culture by the stoichiometry of the redox reactions during denitrification and the CO2-bicarbonate equilibrium. Continuous pH monitoring - without the need to insert an electrode into solution - elucidated e.g. an increase in the slope of the pH value coinciding with an accumulation of nitrite, which in turn led to a temporary accumulation of N2O, due to an inhibition of nitrous oxide reductase. Cavity enhanced Raman gas spectroscopy has a high potential for the assessment of denitrification processes and can contribute substantially to our understanding of nitrogen cycling in both natural and agricultural systems.

Raman spectroscopic investigation of 13CO 2 labeling and leaf dark respiration of Fagus sylvatica L. (European beech)

An important issue, in times of climate change and more extreme weather events, is the investigation of forest ecosystem reactions to these events. Longer drought periods stress the vitality of trees and promote mass insect outbreaks, which strongly affect ecosystem processes and services. Cavity-enhanced Raman gas spectrometry was applied for online multi-gas analysis of the gas exchange rates of O2 and CO2 and the labeling of Fagus sylvatica L. (European beech) seedlings with (13)CO2. The rapid monitoring of all these gases simultaneously allowed for the separation of photosynthetic uptake of CO2 by the beech seedlings and a constant (12)CO2 efflux via respiration and thus for a correction of the measured (12)CO2 concentrations in course of the labeling experiment. The effects of aphid infestation with the woolly beech aphid (Phyllaphis fagi L.) as well as the effect of a drought period on the respirational gas exchange were investigated. A slightly decreased respirational activity of drought-stressed seedlings in comparison to normally watered seedlings was found already for a low drought intensity. Cavity-enhanced Raman gas monitoring of O2, (12)CO2, and (13)CO2 was proven to be a powerful new tool for studying the effect of drought stress and aphid infestation on the respirational activity of European beech seedlings as an example of important forest species in Central Europe.

Online investigation of respiratory quotients in Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies during drought and shading by means of cavity-enhanced Raman multi-gas spectrometry

CERS monitoring of RQ values enables the analysis of nutrition shifts in trees in response to environmental stress.

Fiber-enhanced Raman multigas spectroscopy: a versatile tool for environmental gas sensing and breath analysis

Versatile multigas analysis bears high potential for environmental sensing of climate relevant gases and noninvasive early stage diagnosis of disease states in human breath. In this contribution, a fiber-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (FERS) analysis of a suite of climate relevant atmospheric gases is presented, which allowed for reliable quantification of CH4, CO2, and N2O alongside N2 and O2 with just one single measurement. A highly improved analytical sensitivity was achieved, down to a sub-parts per million limit of detection with a high dynamic range of 6 orders of magnitude and within a second measurement time. The high potential of FERS for the detection of disease markers was demonstrated with the analysis of 27 nL of exhaled human breath. The natural isotopes (13)CO2 and (14)N(15)N were quantified at low levels, simultaneously with the major breath components N2, O2, and (12)CO2. The natural abundances of (13)CO2 and (14)N(15)N were experimentally quantified in very good agreement to theoretical values. A fiber adapter assembly and gas filling setup was designed for rapid and automated analysis of multigas compositions and their fluctuations within seconds and without the need for optical readjustment of the sensor arrangement. On the basis of the abilities of such miniaturized FERS system, we expect high potential for the diagnosis of clinically administered (13)C-labeled CO2 in human breath and also foresee high impact for disease detection via biologically vital nitrogen compounds.