The retention behaviour and separation of some water-soluble organophosphorus insecticides on polyester-based polyurethane foams

Abstract

This paper reports the concentration of some dissolved organic phosphorus insecticides in water by open-cell polyurethane foam. The results of preliminary screening tests on the retention of the tested insecticides (Diazinon, Malathion and Chloropyrifos) by polyester foams indicated that a very high percent removal of the insecticides was obtained. The retention rate was fast and reaches equilibrium in a few minutes. The various parameters affecting the preconcentration of the tested insecticides by unloaded foam, e.g. pH, extraction media, shaking time, salt effect, flow rate, temperature and sample volumes have been optimized via the static mode of separation. The unloaded foams were employed in columns for the retention and recovery of the tested species. The sorption efficiency and the recovery of the tested compounds by the unloaded foam column were found to be up to 95.5%. The equivalent to a theoretical plate by the unloaded foam was found in the range 1.12 − 1.32 ± 0.2 mm. The sorption mechanism of the tested species by the foam is discussed. The separation of some of the tested species in a mixture was achieved. The foam membrane offers unique advantages over conventional bulk-type granular sorbents and solvent extraction in offering high flow rates, rapid, versatile, effective separation and preconcentration of different species from aqueous samples. The foam provides the advantages of being, insoluble, easily separable and non-polluting, as well as inexpensive.