Uptake of Organochlorine Pesticides by Solvent-Filled Cellulose and Polyethylene Membranes

Membrane-based passive samplers were used to study the uptake of organochlorine pesticides (lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, and chlorpyriphos) in a continuous-flow system. The membranes were filled with cyclohexane and a mixture of cyclohexane and triolein. Uptake of the chemicals was 24–84 times faster in polyethylene membranes compared to that in cellulose membranes. This is a clear indication that polar cellulose membrane hinders the transport of lipophilic compounds. Though uptake rates in polyethylene membranes were much higher, they were unable to retain the receiving solvent for longer time periods. The diffusion rate of chemicals through polyethylene membranes was dependent not only on their lipophilicity but their molecular mass as well.