Comparison of Three Sources of CO 2 (Electrochemical Generation, Propane Combustion and Compressed Gas Cylinder) for Mosquito Surveillance Daniel L. Kline USDA-ARS, CMAVE Gainesville, FL

CO 2 Short History 1922 Rudolfs reported that carbon dioxide was a mosquito attractant 1934 Headlee reported that delivering CO 2 gas over a New Jersey light trap for only 2 hr each evening increased the mosquito catch by % 1942 Reeves & Hammon were two of the first to seriously propose the addition of CO 2 to light traps to increase mosquito catches. Not all species are attracted equally by the addition of CO 2.

Available Sources Human and animal sources Dry ice Compressed (pressurized) gas cylinders Propane combustion Solid impregnate technology Yeast fermentation –Anaerobic –Aerobic

Available Sources Sodium bicarbonate/acid drip method Sterno combustion Fuel cells

Coleman MD-2500

USDA CSREES grant award No , entitled “Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Generator for Mosquito Surveillance” Dr. Henri Maget Med-e-Cell San Diego, CA

SBIR Phase I Overall Objective Determine the feasibility of using Med-e- Cell’s electrochemical CO 2 generation technology for mosquito surveillance.

Phase I Specific Objective Develop an experimental CO 2 generator capable of producing up to 200 ml of CO 2 per minute.

By applying voltage across an electrochemical cell containing a carboxylic acid (e.g. oxalic acid), the following reactions take place: Anode reaction: HOOC-COOH 2 CO 2 + 2H + + 2e - Cathode reaction: 2H + + 2e - H 2 Overall process: HOOC-COOH 2 CO 2 + H 2 Electrochemical Generation of CO 2

Prototype Carbon Dioxide Generator The generator geometry is 6.5 x 5 x 4 cm and weighs less than 100 grams The first prototype generator operated from an AC/DC converter at 5 Amps and 3.8 volts producing 9 liters of CO 2 /hr for a period of 4 hours (150 ml/min); consumed 67 grams of oxalic acid The cost to operate the device at that rate and duration would be about 25 cents for the organic acid and 1 cent in power The size of the generator can be increased (or decreased) and the production rate of CO 2 also

Other Prototype Features No valves, manifolds, etc. Can be started manually (switch) or by timer The rate can be increased/decreased at will by adjusting the current The system price is in the vicinity of $100 The system is battery compatible The system is ideally suited for solar energy, since it is a low voltage device

Mosquitoes Released in Each Cage Ochlerotatus taeniorhynchus (500) Aedes aegypti (500)

Large Cage Studies

SBIR Phase II Plans Develop an integrated monitoring system which would include: –The electrochemical CO 2 generator and octenol dispenser as described in this talk –A way to generate moisture and heat as a by- product of the electrochemical process –Electronic time-release circuitry to start/stop the CO 2 and to deliver pulses of CO 2 –A solar power source to allow complete system autonomy