Separation of acetochlor through polymeric membrane system

In this study, an acetochlor belonging to the herbicide group was transported using a synthesized polymer inclusion membrane (PIM). Tricapryl-methylammonium chloride (Aliquat 366) and cellulose triacetate (CTA) were used as carrier and support material, respectively, in the membrane structure. The acetochlor samples taken during the transport from the donor phase containing 0.1 M HCl to the acceptor phase containing pure water were determined by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The permeability coefficient (P), rate constant (k), and material flow rate (J) values were calculated at the end of the transportation processes. The recovery factor (%) was determined to be 91.2 % at the end of 240 min of transportation time. The effects of relative amounts of the target analyte, carrier, and acid type on the donor phase were determined, as well as those of the acceptor phase pH and stirring effect. The results achieved in this study suggest that a stable and environmentally sustainable polymer inclusion membrane system might be used to effectively transport acetochlor.