Chromatographic separation of eosin yellow dye from water using Ag Nanoparticle Impregnated activated carbon in packed mini columns with reusability assessment

Abstract

A rapid and efficient chromatographic method was developed for the extraction and quantitative determination of Eosin Yellow (EY) dye from water using a mini packed column containing silver nanoparticle-impregnated activated carbon (AgNPs/AC). The composite adsorbent, prepared by depositing AgNPs onto activated carbon, provided enhanced surface activity and adsorption efficiency. Optimal conditions (pH 4-5, flow rate 5 mL min?¹, sorbent mass 0.04 g) ensured nearly complete retention and > 99% recovery of EY at its ?_max = 517 nm. Column performance, evaluated via breakthrough and chromatogram methods, confirmed high efficiency with favorable N, HETP, BC, and CC values. The proposed system was successfully applied to spiked tap, sea, and wastewater samples, achieving recoveries of 97-106%. The AgNPs/AC sorbent exhibited excellent reusability, maintaining over 95% performance after four cycles. This mini-column technique provides a simple, economical, and environmentally friendly approach for trace-level separation of EY and related pollutants from aquatic environments.