Chromatography Workshop

By Noel

On Saturday January 11th a group of us came together in Thomastown community centre for a chromatography workshop. What might you ask is chromatography?  There are different methods of chromatography, and this workshop was specifically on round paper disc chromatography which was developed in the 1950’s by Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, a German soil scientist and biodynamic researcher who brought biodynamics to the US.

Eileen Hutton from the Burren school of art guided us through the process of making paper chromatograms from soil, compost and milk samples which participants had brought along.  A paper disc is prepared with light sensitive silver nitrite. The soil sample is dried and mixed with sodium hydroxide, and through a wick and capillary action the solution moves out from the centre of the paper creating a pattern, particles are separated out creating an image. These images show vitality, complexity and life energy in the sample and can be interpreted by comparing different samples.

Pfeiffer developed this method for farmers as an inexpensive way to assess quality. Although further study can be done to read more information from the chromatograms, in general no special skills are needed to read an image. The healthier sample will always produce a more beautiful and interesting image that an unhealthy one.

A big thank you to Eileen for preparing the samples and sharing her knowledge.   https://www.eileenhutton.com/soil

Also, Thanks to Seamus from the community centre, to Cornelia for providing delicious lunch and snacks and to NOTS for supporting the workshop.

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