TY - JOUR T1 - Simplified Method for Free SO<sub>2</sub> Measurement Using Gas Detection Tubes JF - American Journal of Enology and Viticulture JO - Am. J. Enol. Vitic. SP - 405 LP - 410 DO - 10.5344/ajev.2013.13003 VL - 64 IS - 3 AU - Zachary Pegram AU - Misha T. Kwasniewski AU - Gavin L. Sacks Y1 - 2013/09/01 UR - http://www.ajevonline.org/content/64/3/405.abstract N2 - The classic Monier–Williams method for free sulfur dioxide (SO2) measurement in wines was modified using inexpensive SO2 detection tubes developed for the mining industry. An acidified wine sample was treated with an antacid tablet to evolve CO2 in situ and the gas flow directed to a commercial SO2 detection tube. The length of tube that changed color was proportional to the original free SO2 concentration. Initial calibration of the tubes was performed in model wines using aeration-oxidation (A-O) as a reference method. Using a 20 mL sample, the SO2 tube method achieved a linear response from 5 to 40 mg/L. Accuracy was evaluated by measuring free SO2 concentrations in 16 wines (seven whites, nine reds) by both the SO2 tube and A-O reference methods. Free SO2 concentrations for individual wines measured by each method were within ±2 mg/mL and the RMSE was 0.89 mg/L. The limit of detection of the SO2 tube method was 3.3 mg/L in wine. The SO2 tube method has several advantages over A-O, including requiring less time per analysis and no specialized glassware or equipment. The major consumable cost is the detection tubes, which can be conserved in exchange for precision by using smaller sample sizes. ER -