Comparison of colorimetric, spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques for quantification of hydrogen sulfide

Abstract

Background: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous gasotransmitter, has potential applications in several conditions. However, its quantification in simulated physiological solutions is a major challenge due to its gaseous nature and other physicochemical properties. Aim: This study was designed to compare four commonly used H2S detection and quantification methods in aqueous solutions. Methods: The four techniques compared were one colorimetric, one chromatographic and two electrochemical methods. Results: Colorimetric and chromatographic methods quantified H2S in millimolar and micromole ranges, respectively. The electrochemical methods quantified H2S in the nanomole and picomole ranges and were less time-consuming. Conclusion: The H2S quantification method should be selected based on the specific requirements of a research project in terms of sensitivity, response time and cost-effectiveness.

Keywords

• colorimetry
• electroanalytical electrodes
• electrochemical quantification
• gasotransmitter
• HPLC
• hydrogen sulfide