Exploring ternary deep eutectic Solvent-Based aqueous biphasic systems for Extracting pesticides

Wastewater treatment plants are inadequately equipped to effectively remove emerging micropollutants, such as pesticides, resulting primarily in the pollution of aquatic environments. In this context, this study demonstrates, for the first time, the exceptional capability of a ternary deep eutectic solvent (TDES) composed of choline chloride, urea, and glycerol (ChCl:U:Gly) in a molar ratio of 1:1:1 as a salting-out agent in aqueous solutions of polyalkoxylated nonionic surfactants (Tergitol 15S-9) containing imidacloprid and acetamiprid. The immiscibility region of the phase diagrams and tie-lines were determined within the temperature range of 298.15 K to 333.15 K, and the data were correlated with appropriate empirical equations. The feasibility of the proposed method was assessed based on partition coefficients and extraction efficiencies, recording levels over 60 and 96 %, respectively. The extraction process was integrated into a full-scale soil washing system and simulated using specific software to assess the technical feasibility of the proposed strategy.