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 h ydrolase, that detoxifies organophosphate pesticides, a very effective and reusable cleanup sponge was developed. This sponge was made by in corporating the enzyme through free amino-acid groups into a polymeriz ing isocyanate-based polyurethane foam. By controlling various reactio n variables, it became possible to produce an enzyme-containing foam o f 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 solution s of parathion and a typical commercial pesticide formulation.