Chromatography

Chromatography is to separate a certain mixture so as to find its component.This experiment is to separate the differnt components in ink. We have 3 different types of black markers, in which all of them are black ink and the difference cannot be ascertained with the naked eye. After paper chromatography:

Beginning

In the midst of experiment

End of experiment

Applications of Chromatography
Chromatography has many applications in biology. It is used to separate and identify amino acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and other natural substances. Environmental testing laboratories use chromatography to identify trace quantities of contaminants such as PCBs in waste oil and pesticides such as DDT in groundwater. It is also used to test drinking water and test air quality. Pharmaceutical companies use chromatography to prepare quantities of extremely pure materials. The food industry uses chromatography to detect contaminants such as aflatoxin.

Photos courtesy of Zhai Zihan, my friend.