Can a CO2 and Alcohol Meter Detect Harmful Bacteria in a Fridge?

  • Thread starter Thread starter lostminty
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    fridge
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating a meter that can detect harmful bacteria in a refrigerator by measuring CO2 and alcohol levels. Participants explore the implications of these measurements in relation to bacterial activity, considering both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and the challenges posed by the dynamic environment of a fridge.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that CO2 levels correlate with aerobic bacteria (non-pathogenic) and alcohol levels with anaerobic bacteria (pathogenic).
  • Another participant challenges the practicality of measuring these levels in a fridge, suggesting that the dynamic nature of the environment complicates the measurements.
  • A suggestion is made to consider compartmentalized detection methods, such as integrating sensors into food containers or using color-changing materials.
  • Concerns are raised about the limitations of electronics in low-end goods and the potential need for alternative detection methods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of the proposed meter, with some questioning the initial concept and others suggesting alternative approaches. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the effectiveness of measuring CO2 and alcohol as indicators of bacterial presence.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenges of controlling variables in a fridge environment, indicating that a closed system might yield better results for experiments. There are also considerations about the limitations of current technology in relation to the proposed detection methods.

lostminty
Messages
80
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I'm looking into making a meter that gives an indication of bacterial load present in ones fridge.

Currently I am thinking a device that measures CO2 and alcohol levels once the fridge is in a steady state (ie the door not open for some amount of time).

I have a rough concept that CO2 = aerobic bacteria = non pathgenic food spoiling
and alcohol = anerobic = pathogenic
 
Biology news on Phys.org
lostminty said:
Currently I am thinking a device that measures CO2 and alcohol levels once the fridge is in a steady state (ie the door not open for some amount of time).

This is your first obstacle. You might as well spend your time figuring out what happens to the little light in the fridge when the door is closed.
 
It turns off in my fridge. I can tell because it delay turns on when i open the door just a jar.
 
Great. Now figure out how to have a fridge without opening the door.
 
why would I do that?
 
Re-read your OP.
 
When you set up an experiment you try to remove aspects of the system you cannot control. A closed cold box would work better to test what you describe.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
lostminty said:
I have a rough concept that CO2 = aerobic bacteria = non pathgenic food spoiling
and alcohol = anerobic = pathogenic

If your fridge contains half-empty yoghurt pots and/or wine bottles, that concept may need some more work.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Thanks for helping :)

So I see that a fridge is too dynamic to have measurable value. Perhaps some particular metabolite could be measurable, but then you have issues associated with scope.

Compartmentalised detection could do it, ie built into food containers. But electronics are not suited for such low end goods. Perhaps some type of sticker?

or maybe a cling film that changes colour
 

Similar threads

Graduate Can entanglement be detected in a single Bell pair?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Solaculture: A novel biological approach for low cost energy?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K