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  • Carbon dioxide, also known as C02, is a chemical compound found everywhere. It is in the ground, in the air, in your home, and even in your blood. In most cases, this gas is found in such low concentrations that it is entirely harmless. However, carbon dioxide may be tested for a variety of reasons.

    In Gases

    Testing carbon dioxide in gases, such as the air of a home, involves the use of a syringe test. A sorbent inside the test tube changes color to demonstrate the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air. First, you need to purchase a gas sampling tube and syringe made for the testing or carbon dioxide. Slowly draw air into the syringe (doing so should take about 10 seconds). Break the ends off the tube that comes with the test and place the tube into the syringe. The paper inside of the tube turns purple, indicating the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air. It is important to test for C02 gases in the air, as breathing in high levels of C02 can be dangerous.

    In Water

    Plants require C02 to complete the photosynthesis process they need for nutrition. This process also maintains the oxygen-CO2 balance in the atmosphere, since plants absorb C02 and produce oxygen. This balance determine whether animals and plants can survive in the water. Testing water for CO2 uses a Hach titration test. First, collect water into the mixing bottle of the Hach test---usually 23 ml, or about 1 oz. Add a single drop of a solution known as phenophthalein indicator, followed by successive drops of sodium hydroxide. These sodium hydroxide drops begin to turn the water pink as you swirl it around. Continue administering drops until the water stays pink for at least half a minute. The number of drops it takes to get the water to turn pink demonstrates how many mg per liter of carbon are present in the water. The amount of drops required varies depending upon whether you've used a low-, medium- or high-range Hach test.

    In the Blood

    If you are experiencing a health issue, your doctor may draw blood for a carbon dioxide test. He sends the sample to the lab, where technicians complete an analysis using a blood gas analyzer, a machine that delivers the results almost instantaneously. Doctors often test carbon dioxide in patients' blood during an electrolyte test. A change in the level of C02 in your blood may indicate that you are retaining too much fluid, causing your electrolyte balance to be off.

    Source:

    National Institutes of Health

    Woodrow.org

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