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In this work we present a laser photoacoustic arrangement for the detection of the important greenhouse gas methane. A quantum-cascade laser and a differential photoacoustic cell were employed. A detection limit of 45 ppbv in nitrogen was achieved as well as a great selectivity. The same methodology was also tested in the detection of methane issued from natural gas powered vehicles (VNG) in Brazil, which demonstrates the excellent potential of this arrangement for greenhouse gas detection emitted from real sources

Photorespiration and temperature dependence of oxygen evolution in tomato plants monitored by open photoacoustic cell technique Rev. Sci. Instrum. 74, 706 (2003); 10.1063/1.1517753 Effect of heat treatment on ethylene and CO 2 emissions rates during papaya (Carica papaya L.) fruit ripening Rev. Sci. Instrum. 74, 703 (2003); 10.1063/1.1517752Photoacoustic measurements for catalytic effects of perovskite electrodes in a sealed-off CO 2 discharge tube This work addresses the effects of ozone activity on the physiology of 'Golden' papaya fruit. Depth profile analysis of double-layer biological samples was accomplished using the phase-resolved photoacoustic spectroscopy. The feasibility of the method was demonstrated by singling out the spectra of the cuticle and the pigment layers of papaya fruit. The same approach was used to monitor changes occurring on the fruit during ripening when exposed to ozone. In addition, one has performed real time studies of fluorescence parameters and the emission rates of carbon dioxide and ethylene. Finally, the amount of pigments and the changes in waxy cuticle have been monitored. Results indicate that a fruit deliberately subjected to ozone at a level of 6 ppmv underwent ripening sooner (at least 24-48 h) than a fruit stored at ambient conditions. Moreover, ozone caused a reduction in the maximum quantum yield of photosynthetic apparatus located within the skin of papaya fruit.

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Heavy metals, such as Cr (chromium), have received attention during recent years due to their disposal in soil and water. Brave peanut (Pterogyne nitens Tul.), a tropical tree, was cultivated in 500 mol L -1 Cr +6 to observe how this species responds to this stress, with a view to its possible application in the restoration of degraded areas. In the present study, we report the use of a new method, photoacoustic spectroscopy, to evaluate the emission of CO 2 and ethylene and the use of other standard techniques for assessing stress (chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigment determination, leaf relative water, specific leaf area, NO (nitric oxide) and polyamines. Photoacoustic spectroscopy appears to provide an innovative and efficient technique for detecting stress induced by heavy metals soon after their contact with plants. Polyamine content, as well as ethylene and NO, were seen to be sensitive to Cr +6 ; polyamines were decreased in leaves and increased in roots, ethylene was increased in the whole plant and NO was increased in the roots. Our results demonstrating alterations in ethylene in response to Cr +6 are, to date, unreported and the technique used for these measurements is novel. With regard to the polyamines, modulations in their concentrations may have protected the photosystem II, since no photosynthetic alterations were observed for pigments and chlorophyll a fluorescence.