IMPROVEMENTS IN COLLECTION OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE IN CADMIUM HYDROXIDE SUSPENSION

The technique of collecting hydrogen sulfide at ambient air concentrations in cadmium hydroxide suspension, in use for more than 10 years, is reported to prevent loss from sulfide oxidation. A comparison of this procedure with bromine microcoulometric titration and with calculations of the anticipated hydrogen sulfide concentrations produced in a laboratory gas dilution system revealed an unpredictable and nonreproducible loss of hydrogen sulfide as high as 80% during collection of a 2-hour impinger sample containing cadmium hydroxide suspension. This paper provides evidence of the photodecomposition of cadmium sulfide in the impinger and describes techniques to reduce loss of sulfide during sampling and storage. The suggested modification provides reproducible hydrogen sulfide recoveries. Reliable quantitative results were obtained. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.