Hydrogen Sulphide Studies

Abstract

Data on the sensitivity of ferric ammonium citrate and bismuth liquor for detecting H2S definitely show the superiority of Bi over Fe irrespective of the pH. The most sensitive range of Fe is in an alkaline menstruum while with Bi pH has no effect. The use of a soluble form of Bi, 0.5% bismuth liquor or 16 mg. of Bi and ammonium citrate, Merck, U.S.P. IX, incorporating in a proper medium, showed that it was far superior to any medium containing Pb or Fe salts. Organisms which are usually stated in literature to be negative H2S formers, such as Salmonella paratyphi and Shigella dysentereae, give positive results with B. In recording whether an organism does or does not produce H2S the method and medium should be stated.