The utilization of hydrophobic wax beads for the absorption of gas particles: A one health approach to address fuel spills in lake Muskoka

Abstract

The prevalence of recreational, motorized boating on freshwater lakes has significantly increased in the last decades. Consequently, there has been an increase in fuel spills and an accumulation of toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can have significant adverse health impacts on humans, non-human animals, and the environment. As previous initiatives to clean up spills have often been invasive, tough to follow, and environmentally intolerant, a One Health approach is necessary to address this issue. This article proposes a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to remove PAHs from Lake Muskoka in Ontario, Canada. The solution, based on principles of hydrophobic interactions, employs Carnauba wax beads in mesh cages to absorb PAHs from the water. This natural absorbent technology could lead to improvements in the overall quality of life and health of humans, non-human animals, and the environment. If deemed successful, this technology may be adapted to other bodies of water to mitigate the damage of PAHs on freshwater ecosystems.