Question

Using a step by step approach, show how you will use ion exchange chromatography to remove radioactive contamination from milk. Give the reactions and chemical equations involved

Answer 1

Ion exchange chromatography involves separation of ionic and polar analytes using chromatographic supports derivatized with ionic functional groups that have charges opposite that of the analyte ions. The analyte ions and similarly charged ions of the eluent compete to bind to the oppositely charged ionic functional group on the surface of the stationary phase. Assuming that the exchanging ions (analytes and ions in the mobile phase) are cations,