Extraction of endocrine disrupting compound propylparaben from water by emulsion liquid membrane using trioctylphosphine oxide as carrier

The extraction of endocrine disrupting compound propylpraben (PP) from aqueous solution by emulsion liquid membrane was investigated. The ELM contains trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) as extractant, n-hexane as solvent and Span 80 as surfactant. Na2CO3 was used as internal aqueous phase. The effects of operating parameters for the ELM process were examined. It was possible to perfectly remove all of PP molecules from the external feed solution by using the best experimental conditions. ELM treatment process represents an efficient advanced separation technique for the removal of PP even from complex matrices such as natural water, seawater and sewage water effluent.