Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can include a method for isolating a contaminate from water comprising: introducing a plurality of aluminum-doped nanoparticles to water, the water comprising the contaminate; contacting the plurality of aluminum-doped nanoparticles with the contaminate to form contaminate-adsorbed nanoparticles; and isolating the contaminate-adsorbed nanoparticles by applying a magnetic field to the water.

The invention relates to a system, comprising: a) a sample processing unit, comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container having at least one sample chamber, the sample processing unit configured provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the cell separation unit comprising separation column holder (42), a pump (64) and a plurality of valves (1-11) configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column (40) positioned in the holder, the separation column configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flowed through the column.

The present invention is directed to a method for the separation of an actinide from another metal. The method comprises the following steps: (a) establishing a non-homogeneous magnetic field across a separation column containing a paramagnetic packing material and (b) providing a fluid containing the actinide and the another metal to the separation column wherein the fluid and the paramagnetic packing material are exposed to the non-homogeneous magnetic field. The non-homogeneous magnetic field is produced by a magnet having a first pole for magnetic interaction with a second pole of the magnet wherein the first pole has a different surface area than the second pole. The non-homogeneous magnetic field has a magnetic field gradient of about 500 lines/cm.sup.2/cm or more. In addition, the present invention is also directed to a method for the separation of one heavy metal from another heavy metal.

The invention relates to a system, comprising: a) a sample processing unit, comprising an input port and an output port coupled to a rotating container having at least one sample chamber, the sample processing unit configured provide a first processing step to a sample or to rotate the container so as to apply a centrifugal force to a sample deposited in the chamber and separate at least a first component and a second component of the deposited sample; and b) a sample separation unit coupled to the output port of the sample processing unit, the cell separation unit comprising separation column holder (42), a pump (64) and a plurality of valves (1-11) configured to at least partially control fluid flow through a fluid circuitry and a separation column (40) positioned in the holder, the separation column configured to separate labeled and unlabeled components of sample flowed through the column.

An apparatus for a selective fractionation of ultrafine particles includes at least three separating columns fluidically connected in series by connecting lines. An infeed is arranged to feed into a connecting line which is arranged upstream of each separating column. Each connecting line comprises an inlet for a suspension of ultrafine particles to be separated and an inlet for at least one additional mobile phase. The inlets are alternately operated. A discharge branches off from a connecting line which is arranged downstream of each separating column. Each connecting line comprises an outlet for a first and a second discharge suspension of the ultrafine particles. The outlets are alternately operated. A control means provides a simultaneous switching of the through-flow switching position of the shutoff valves at the inlets and outlets. At least one magnetic field source for a magnetic field is arranged in each separating column.

A single macroscopic magnetic capture device may be functionalized and utilized to query a volume of liquid for a particular target analyte. The magnetic capture device may be rotated to create a vortex to enhance the efficiency of capture. The magnetic capture device may include a ferromagnetic element and a bioactive coating affixed to the surface of the ferromagnetic element, the bioactive coating being configured to capture the target analyte. In some embodiments, a capture container may be utilized together with the magnetic capture device, the geometries of the magnetic capture device and capture container being predetermined to effect a desired fluid dynamic system within the capture container. A customizable kit for allowing a user to create a custom magnetic capture device is also contemplated.

A filter module for a water treatment apparatus, and a water treatment apparatus comprising the filter module includes: stacked active carbon fiber layers made of active carbon fiber; spacers inserted between the active carbon fiber layers; a pair of current collectors connected to an end of the stacked active carbon fiber layers; and an active carbon fiber filter included stacked one or more active carbon fiber filter units, each active carbon fiber filter unit including a power supply for supplying current to the active carbon fiber layers via the current collectors so that neighboring active carbon fiber layers form cathodes and anodes in alternation. The filter module can lower the hardness of the water while increasing ion removal capability by increasing the specific surface area and water permeability, and can minimize the thickness of the electrodes by eliminating ion exchange membranes and minimizing the volume of current collectors.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can include a method for isolating a contaminate from water comprising: introducing a plurality of aluminum-doped nanoparticles to water, the water comprising the contaminate; contacting the plurality of aluminum-doped nanoparticles with the contaminate to form contaminate-adsorbed nanoparticles; and isolating the contaminate-adsorbed nanoparticles by applying a magnetic field to the water.

There is provided a method of extracting material from a fluid method of extracting material from a fluid, the fluid being held within a fluid chamber. The method comprises drawing, with a magnetic field generating system, at least one magnetically susceptible member through the fluid around a closed path between at least three points in the chamber, said at least one member being adapted to bind to material in fluid in the chamber. The at least three points are arranged relative to each other in a shape having at least two dimensions, the magnetic field generating system being configured to move the at least on magnetically susceptible member directly between the at least three points, material in the fluid binding to the at least one magnetically susceptible member when it comes into contact with the at least one member as it moves through the fluid.

A chromatograph is provided for identifying components of a mixture. Components are identified by different rates of adsorption and/or desorption with a material phase. In one embodiment, an electrical lead is connected to the material phase for supplying an electrical charge to the material phase. The electrical charge alters the rate of adsorption/desorption of the components with the material phase. In another embodiment, the material phase is disposed between two conductors with electrical leads connected to each of the conductors. A charge differential between the two conductors alters the rate of adsorption and/or desorption of components with the material phase.