Separation and preconcentration of malathion and azamethiphos by Unloaded polyurethane foams

Abstract

The feasibility of using unloaded polyether type polyurethahe foams for the extraction and separation of malathion and azamethiphos in batch and column operations has been examined. The effects of pH, ionic strength, shaking time and some metal species present in the aqueous solution on the sorption behaviour of malathion and azamethiphos have been investigated. In dynamic systems, the effect of flow rate on the collection efficiencies of these insecticides has been investigated. The uptake of malathion and azamethiphos on unloaded polyurethane foam columns is quantitative at flow rates up to 20 cm-\min . Preconcentration of the insecticides examined and their subsequent separation are successful.