REUSABLE IMMOBILIZED ENZYME POLYURETHANE SPONGE FOR REMOVAL AND DETOXIFICATION OF LOCALIZED ORGANOPHOSPHATE PESTICIDE SPILLS

During the course of study on immobilization of an enzyme, parathion hydrolase, that detoxifies organophosphate pesticides, a very effective and reusable cleanup sponge was developed. This sponge was made by incorporating the enzyme through free amino-acid groups into a polymerizing isocyanate-based polyurethane foam. By controlling various reaction variables, it became possible to produce an enzyme-containing foam of high liquid-retention capacity and excellent enzyme stability. This product, which should prove valuable for easy simultaneous cleanup and detoxification of small spills, was found effective for both solutions of parathion and a typical commercial pesticide formulation.