Experimental Investigation of Oil Spill Cleanup Using Cholan as a Natural Oil Absorber

Abstract

Currently, natural absorbers are considered more suitable substitutes for synthetic sorbents. They provide various advantages, such as bio-degradation, relative high efficiency in absorption, and lower side effects on the ecosystem. This article presents an experimental study using a plant called Cholan (Cyperus Longus L.) as an absorber in handling marine oil spills. Cholan is found largely around the riversides of Bahmanshir and Arvand, located alongside the Abadan and Ahwaz cities in Iran. The tested oils consisted of diesel oil, crude oil, and motor oil (HD40). Experimental results reveal that Cholan retains more than 94% of the absorbed oil for an hour when it is assembled in 0.06 and 0.12 g cm−3 packing densities. Cholan can absorb up to 33 g g−1 motor oil, 27.5 g g−1 crude oil, and 25 g g−1 diesel oil when packed in 0.04 g cm−3 density. It absorbs more than 40 g g−1 HD40 versus only 5 g g−1 water. Angle of wettability between oils and Cholan (23°, 13°, and 27° for HD40, crude oil, and diesel oil, respectively) shows the oleophilicity (oil-loving) of Cholan.