Abstract
The use of infrared laser based photo-acoustic trace gas detection equipment in biological research is discussed on the basis of two examples. A CO2 laser based photo-acoustic trace gas detection system is employed to follow the time-dependent pattern of the nitrogen fixation process by the cyanobacteria Nodularia Spumigena on a one-minute time scale. Due to the high sensitivity of the detection system for ethylene (detection limit 6 part per trillion; 6:1012), the fixation process can be followed on-line in a flow-through system. Following a 50 h dark incubation period, the bacteria show nitrogen fixation only after a certain illumination period, indicating lack of carbohydrates needed to start the nitrogen fixation. Another, CO laser based, system allowed to monitor acetaldehyde emission (detection limit 0.1 part per billion) of Docks Rumex palustris during the change from anoxic environment to O2 levels of air. An almost immediate emission is found, indicating that acetaldehyde plays an important role for post-anoxic injury in Rumex palustris.
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