ANPC LAB 20-ENV-15

Determination of CO by KANE 100-1 Analyzer

What is CO?

CO stands for carbon monoxide. It is a colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
is formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing substances, such as gasoline, natural
gas, coal, wood, and oil. It is often produced by vehicles, generators, furnaces, and other
fuelburning appliances.

Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it can be inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream, where
it binds with hemoglobin, reducing its ability to carry oxygen to the body's tissues. This can lead
to a condition called carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.

Natural Sources of Carbon Monoxide:

 Volcanic Activity: During volcanic eruptions, large amounts of carbon monoxide can be
released into the atmosphere. Volcanoes emit a variety of gases, including carbon dioxide
(CO2) and carbon monoxide, along with sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and
others.
 Forest Fires: Natural wildfires are another significant source of carbon monoxide. When
vegetation and organic matter burn, carbon monoxide is produced as a byproduct of
incomplete combustion. Forest fires can release substantial amounts of carbon monoxide
into the air.
 Decomposition: Carbon monoxide is generated during the decomposition of organic
matter. This process occurs naturally in ecosystems, such as in wetlands, swamps, and
marshes, where organic material accumulates and undergoes decomposition in the absence
of oxygen.
 Methane Oxidation: Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas, and it can undergo
oxidation in the atmosphere. One of the byproducts of methane oxidation is carbon
monoxide. This process mainly takes place in the troposphere, the lower part of the Earth's
atmosphere.
 Seawater: In certain marine environments, such as coastal areas and estuaries, carbon
monoxide can be produced by chemical reactions in seawater. It is formed as a result of the
breakdown of organic matter and the release of dissolved organic carbon.
 Natural Gas Seeps: Natural gas deposits can seep from the ground naturally. Methane, a
primary component of natural gas, can oxidize in the atmosphere and produce carbon
monoxide as a secondary product.

It is important to note that while these natural sources contribute to the presence of carbon
monoxide in the environment, human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are the
primary sources of elevated carbon monoxide levels in the atmosphere.

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Man Made Sources of Carbon Monoxide:

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by various man-made sources. Here are some common
examples:

 Vehicle Emissions: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles that use internal
combustion engines produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct of incomplete combustion
of fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel.
 Industrial Processes: Various industrial activities, including manufacturing, power
generation, and chemical production, can release carbon monoxide. Industries such as steel
manufacturing, oil refining, and cement production may emit significant amounts of CO.
 Residential Combustion: Carbon monoxide can be generated from the combustion of
fuels in residential settings. This includes burning natural gas, oil, coal, wood, and other
fuels in furnaces, boilers, water heaters, stoves, fireplaces, and other appliances.
 Tobacco Smoke: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes releases carbon monoxide into the
air. Both active smoking and secondhand smoke contribute to carbon monoxide exposure.
 Generators and Small Engines: Portable generators, lawnmowers, chainsaws, and other
small engines that run on gasoline or diesel emit carbon monoxide as part of their exhaust
gases.
 Gas-Powered Tools: Tools such as power saws, drills, and pressure washers that operate
on gasoline or diesel fuels can produce carbon monoxide during use.
 Wood-Burning Stoves and Fireplaces: Burning wood in stoves, fireplaces, or other
wood-burning appliances can produce carbon monoxide if the combustion is incomplete or
the ventilation is inadequate.
 Industrial Accidents: In certain cases, industrial accidents, such as fires, explosions, or
chemical leaks, can release carbon monoxide into the environment.

Effects of CO:

Carbon monoxide (CO) can have significant effects on human health and the environment. Here
are the primary impacts of carbon monoxide:

 Health Effects on Humans: Inhalation of carbon monoxide can have detrimental effects
on the human body. When inhaled, CO binds to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing its
ability to carry oxygen. This can lead to a variety of health issues, ranging from mild
symptoms to severe poisoning or death. Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Prolonged exposure or high concentrations of CO can result in loss of consciousness, organ
damage, and even fatalities.
 Environmental Impact: Carbon monoxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate
change. While its atmospheric lifetime is relatively short compared to other greenhouse

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gases, it still contributes to the overall warming of the planet. Additionally, elevated levels
of carbon monoxide can have adverse effects on air quality and contribute to the formation
of ground-level ozone, a pollutant that can harm human health and vegetation.
 Air Quality: High concentrations of carbon monoxide can lead to poor air quality. In urban
areas with heavy traffic congestion, vehicle emissions are a significant source of CO,
contributing to localized pollution. This can worsen respiratory conditions, such as asthma,

and affect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with
preexisting respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

 Workplace Safety: In occupational settings, where carbon monoxide may be produced as

a byproduct of certain industrial processes or from the use of machinery and equipment,
exposure to high levels of CO can pose a safety hazard to workers. Proper ventilation and
monitoring are crucial to ensure the health and safety of employees.

Steps to decrease the amount of CO in Atmosphere:

To reduce the amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions and mitigate climate change, here
are some steps that can be taken at both individual and collective levels:

 Energy Conservation
 Renewable Energy Sources
 Energy-Efficient Transportation
 Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
 Sustainable Diet
 Forest Conservation
 Energy-Efficient Buildings
 Sustainable Industries
 Awareness and Education
 Policy and Advocacy

Working Principle of KANE100-1 Analyzer:

1) The non-dispersive infrared detection method is based upon the absorption of infrared
radiation at specific wavelength as it passes through a volume of sample.
2) In this instrument infrared energy passes through two identical tubes and fall on a detector.
3) The first tube is a reference cell and is filled with non-absorbing gas such as Nitrogen.
4) The 2nd tube is a measurement cell and contains the gas sample to analyze.
5) As the reference gas generally contains Nitrogen so the detector receive 100% signals.

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6) As the CO2 gas is present in the sample means the received signal will be attenuated at the
detector.
7) The detector measure these two signals and their difference is proportional to the amount
of carbon dioxide.
8) The amount of CO2 is measured in PPM.

 Gas 1) only measures Carbon Monoxide.

 Gas 2) it measures both CO and CO2

Procedure:

1) Check that water trap is empty and the particles filter is not dirty.
2) To change the particle filter remove the protective rubber selves slide water trap unit from
the analyzer then remove the particles filter from it or replace it, and then reconnect the
water trap.
3) Then press the yellow button to turn it on.
4) It will take 50 seconds to settle.
5) Then take device near the Source.
6) Then take readings in a constant value in ppm on digital screens.

Readings:

Source Bike: 30ppm & 52ppm

Source Tractor: 97ppm

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