The oils adsorption potential of heat and sulfuric acid treated Chrysopogon zizanioides biomass through in-vitro approach

Abstract

BackgroundFinding an environmentally sound solution for oil pollution remediation work is crucial because oil pollution in aquatic habitats is one of the most serious environmental issues. MethodsThis study aimed to assess the oil adsorption capability of powdered form of C. zizanioides biomass adsorbent, as untreated, heat and H2SO4 treated adsorbents. Significant FindingsThe SEM analysis revealed that the heat-treated adsorbent has porous microstructures which can interact with oil pollutants. According to the FTIR and EDS analyses, the heat-treated biomass adsorbent has a higher number of functional groups and a significant elemental composition. The heat-treated adsorbents have greater oil adsorption efficiency. Hence, the petrol adsorption competence of untreated, heat, and H2SO4 treated C. zizanioides biomass adsorbents was noticed as their weight enhanced up to several folds than their initial weight. Whenever the oil is compared, it is clear that absorption is preferred in the following order: diesel (10.63, 13.51, as well as 12.12 g) >oil (9.65, 14.85, and 11.85 g)>petrol (7.59, 14.24, and 11.53 g). The heat-treated C. zizanioides biomass outperformed than others in terms of adsorption and retention. Thus, it can be used to remediate the oil contamination from aquatic system.