Removal of biological stains from aqueous solution using a flow-through decontamination procedure

Chromatography columns filled with Amberlite XAD-16 were used to decontaminate, using a continuous flow-through procedure, aqueous solutions of the following biological stains: acridine orange, alcian blue 8GX, alizarin red S, azure A, azure B, brilliant blue G, brilliant blue R, Congo red, cresyl violet acetate, crystal violet, eosin B, eosin Y, erythrosin B, ethidium bromide, Giemsa stain, Janus green B, methylene blue, neutral red, nigrosin, orcein, propidium iodide, rose Bengal, safranine O, toluidine blue O, and trypan blue. Adsorption was most efficient for stains of lower molecular weight (< 600). Adsorption of stain increased as the flow rate decreased; column diameter had little effect on adsorption. Adsorption of stain was greatest when finely ground resin was used, but if the resin particles were too small, column clogging occurred. Limited grinding of the resin gave increased adsorption while retaining good flow characteristics. Amberlite XAD-16 saturated with methylene blue was regenerated to its initial adsorption capacity by passing methanol through the column. The technique described provides an economical, rapid means of removing stains from aqueous solution.