Transport extraction for trace element separation and preconcentration

Summary A new method of sorbent supported transport extraction based on the use of open-cell polyurethane foam sorbents in solvent sublation separation has been developed. The method has been shown to be effective for the separation and preconcentration of radioiodine and/or stable iodine from 41 of deionized, drinking (tap) and surface (river) waters using N-cetylpyridinium chloride as the cationic surfactant and N₂ carrier gas as the bubbling medium. A transport extraction efficiency of about 94% was obtained in 60 to 90 min; a 300-fold preconcentration was found for radioiodine as measured by direct radioactivity counting. Both radioiodine and stable iodine can be back-extracted from the polyurethane foam support (e.g. into acetone with an efficiency of almost 95%).Part II: This journal (1993) 346:905On leave from the Institute of Radioecology and Applied Nuclear Techniques, P.O. Box A-41, 04061 Koice, Slovakia