Scientist 'inspired' by chromatography

An analytical chemistry specialist has claimed his love for science developed because of chromatography projects.

Brett Paull, director of the Irish Separation Science Cluster at Dublin City University, told Royal Society of Chemistry Publishing that chromatography was part of his degree.

He remarked: "Seeing chromatography peaks of molecules from actual samples I had collected made chemistry real for me."

According to Mr Paull, the experiment involved aluminium speciation and he was required to collate samples from lakes in Dartmoor.

The results showed the element is identifiable in drinking water, he explained, which highlighted how important chromatography is "to everyday life".

Currently, the expert's research focuses on applied aspects of ion chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and capillary zone electrophoresis in the fields of analytical and bioanalytical chemistry.

Lancaster Online recently reported that chromatography is being used by schools in Pennsylvania to boost girls' interest in the sciences, with students tasked with separating ink components.