a method of removing contaminated phosphate ester materials is provided . the method involves the use of an anionic resin and a polymeric sorbent . the contaminated phosphate ester material is passed into contact with the anionic resin and optionally the sorbent . the method is particularly useful since it removes substantially all of the contaminants , generally metal material and acids , from the phosphate ester such that the phosphate ester can be reused for further applications .