Biosurfactant and chemical surfactant effectiveness test for oil spills treatment in a saline environment

Abstract

Toxic and persistent nature of hydrocarbon and its products make it a significant concern for treating oil spills. In addition, hydrocarbons such as crude oil have long and complex carbon chains, making them challenging to remove directly. Emergency response for oil spills generally conducted by spraying dispersant agent into spillage surface. However, the use of chemical dispersants is reported to have a negative impact on the environment. Therefore, an environmentally friendly method for treating oil spills, utilizing biological agents such as biosurfactant or bioemulsifier, is needed. This research focuses on performance tests of more environmentally friendly surfactants as substitute for chemical surfactant which causes toxic effect when used. Surfactant performance was evaluated through three indicators: emulsifying index, dispersion effectiveness, and germination index (G.I.). Performance test was carried out for three types of surfactants: sophorolipid biosurfactant, methyl ester sulfonate (MES), and tween-80. Dispersion effectiveness test showed sophorolipid, MES, and tween-80 enhanced hydrocarbons dispersion in saline water up to 26.59, 38.65, and 48.19%, respectively. Germination index test showed the average G.I. for oil dispersed by sophorolipid, MES, and tween-80 are 153.16%, 143.94%, and 6.69 %, respectively. Research result suggests sophorolipid and MES have the properties to enhance oil dispersion under-examined laboratory conditions.