Preconcentration of strontium using aphrons

Aphrons containing di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (DEHPA) as an active substance were used for preconcentration of strontium from acetate buffers. Conditions for preparation of reasonably stable aphrons using non-ionic and anionic detergents in n-alkane and water mixture were found. After distribution of strontium, aphrons were separated from water solution by filtration with micro-filters. The separation efficiency was compared to the results obtained in liquid-liquid extraction of strontium with DEHPA in n-alkane. The results show that the preconcentration efficiency for strontium for aphrons is as good as for liquid-liquid extraction systems.