Abstract: A membrane-like material forming component is obtained by dissolving material crude oil, bitumen or an amphipathic lipid in a solvent to form a solution thereof, the solvent being selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydrocarbons and p-xylene and being capable of forming in the presence of water and the oil, bitumen or amphipathic lipid and interfacial membrane-like material. Water is then admixed so as to cause the membrane-like material to form and the solution, water and membrane-like material are allowed to separate by relative densities, thereby forming a bottom layer of the solution, a top layer of water and an intermediate layer between the bottom and top layers, the intermediate layer comprising the membrane-like material. The membrane-like material is extended into the top layer of water from which it is isolated.

Abstract: The separation of a chlorine-based contaminant from a surface of a substrate covered with same is effected by dissolving the contaminant in a first solvent to form a solution thereof and admixing a further solution consisting of a membrane-like material forming component derived from mineral crude oil, bitumen or amphipathic lipids in a second solvent selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydrocarbons and p-xylene, the second solvent being miscible with the first solvent and capable of forming in the presence of water and the membrane-like material forming component an interfacial membrane-like material which has a water side and is impermeable to the contaminant.