Comparison of five different HPLC columns with different particle sizes, lengths and make for the optimization of seven polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) analysis

Recent Developments of Liquid Chromatography Stationary Phases for Compound Separation: From Proteins to Small Organic Compounds

Compound separation plays a key role in producing and analyzing chemical compounds. Various methods are offered to obtain high-quality separation results. Liquid chromatography is one of the most common tools used in compound separation across length scales, from larger biomacromolecules to smaller organic compounds. Liquid chromatography also allows ease of modification, the ability to combine compatible mobile and stationary phases, the ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses, and the ability to concentrate samples. Notably, the main feature of a liquid chromatography setup is the stationary phase. The stationary phase directly interacts with the samples via various basic mode of interactions based on affinity, size, and electrostatic interactions. Different interactions between compounds and the stationary phase will eventually result in compound separation. Recent years have witnessed the development of stationary phases to increase binding selectivity, tunability, and reusability. To demonstrate the use of liquid chromatography across length scales of target molecules, this review discusses the recent development of stationary phases for separating macromolecule proteins and small organic compounds, such as small chiral molecules and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Sawmill Activities Near the Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Embryotoxic Evaluations of Sediment Extracts Using Clarias gariepinus

The physicochemical parameters and 16 priority PAHs in surface water, porewater and sediment at a sawmill wastes-impacted and High-Rise study sites on the Lagos lagoon in Nigeria were assessed. Further, the embryotoxic effects of sediment organic and porewater extracts from the study sites were evaluated in Clarias gariepinus (African sharptooth catfish) embryos for 26 h. High molecular weight PAHs dominated the PAHs profile especially in the sediment. Source apportionment of the PAHs in the three environmental matrices revealed mainly pyrogenic sources. Developmental abnormalities and decreased hatching success were observed in C. gariepinus embryos exposed to extracts from the Okobaba site compared to High-Rise study site. The results demonstrate the potential though non-significant ecological risk of sawmill activities near the lagoon on water quality and fisheries. Further studies are recommended to provide holistic evidence-based information to promote sustainable fisheries in the lagoon in support of the UN SDGs 13 (climate action) and 14 (life below water).