Bacterial growth in buffer

[zheyin]

I left my buffer pH 7 at RT for a weekend
Can I still use it? I haven't filtered it.
Does filtering help remove any bacterials?

[tom jupille]

Yes, filtering can remove the bugs. It cannot remove any of their metabolic waste they have already excreted, however, so if you are using a gradient and pushing the sensitivity, you might be better off to prepare fresh.

[mr2ACD]

Can sodium azide help you with this problem?

[nms]

It is always be advisable to go for fresh buffer. But it is very important to check the wavelength and gradient method or not. If your method having lower wavelength and if u are using gradient , all the chances are there that u may end up with new ghost peak even after filtration as Tom has pointed out the metabolic waste.
Everyday chromatograhper is dumping unused mobile phase. There should be some study which can help to minimize waste or can be reuse by keeping in refrigerator with criteria.

Thanks,
Nawaz