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Use of a portable quadrupole mass spectrometer for the measurement of dissolved gas concentrations in ovine rumen liquor in situ

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Abstract

The use of membrane-inlet mass spectrometry in the study of dissolved gas concentrations in the rumen was evaluated in order to assess the value of the technique as a tool for the study of microbial activity in ecosystems in situ. Four dissolved gases (CH4, CO2, H2, and O2) were measured simultaneously and continuously for short periods (up to 30 min) during the feeding period. These preliminary results have demonstrated the usefulness of the technique for monitoring microbial activity via gas production in a complex natural ecosystem.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, University College, Newport Road, Cardiff, Wales

    Kevin Hillman & David Lloyd

  2. Hannah Research Institute, Ayr, Scotland

    Alan G. Williams

Authors
  1. Kevin Hillman
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  2. David Lloyd
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  3. Alan G. Williams
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Hillman, K., Lloyd, D. & Williams, A.G. Use of a portable quadrupole mass spectrometer for the measurement of dissolved gas concentrations in ovine rumen liquor in situ. Current Microbiology 12, 335–339 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01567893

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01567893

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