I was really looking forward to running the rest of my samples this week but then I had an unexpected problem with the vacuum filtration system. Typically the system filters the water relatively quick (about 500mL under two minutes). For some odd reason, I noticed tons of air bubbles between the Buchner funnel and the porous plate. After two hours of trying to figure out what was wrong and testing a few things, we still haven't figured out what was wrong. What I was left wondering was if it is possible for the porous plate to be clogged. After talking with my current biology professor, he suggested soaking the plate in some type of acid. I am hoping to try this tip on Friday so I can finish filtering the water samples. In the meantime, I am trying to prepare my poster for the upcoming ASU Symposium. I am also in the process of registering for the AZ Nevada Academy of Science Conference.
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| Source: https://chem.libretexts.org/Demos%2C_Techniques%2C_and_Experiments/Basic_Lab_Techniques/Vacuum_Filtration |
Wow Sam, I’m sorry to hear about this inconvenience during your research. I’m sure you were looking forward to advancing and proceeding with your project. Hopefully, if the acid does work, everything turns back to normal. I am wondering though, could the acid maybe lead to some contamination in your water samples?
ReplyDeleteHey, Sammy. I like how you always create a hook to grab your peers attention with your titles. As for your membrane filtration setback, I'm sorry to hear that. It's a given to have delays in research, but you can make the most out of it by reading different articles and come up with solutions, which later could end up aiding future scholars.
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