Oil Spill Cleanup Research Articles

Association between spill-related exposure to fine particulate matter and peripheral motor and sensory nerve function among oil spill response and cleanup workers following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Burning/flaring of oil/gas during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response and cleanup (OSRC) generated high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Personnel working on the water during these activities may have inhaled combustion products. Neurologic effects of PM2.5 have been reported previously but few studies have examined lasting effects following disaster exposures. The association of brief, high exposures and adverse effects on sensory and motor nerve function in the years following exposure have not been examined for OSRC workers. We assessed the relationship between exposure to burning/flaring-related PM2.5 and measures of sensory and motor nerve function among OSRC workers. PM2.5 concentrations were estimated from Gaussian plume dispersion models and linked to self-reported work histories. Quantitative measures of sensory and motor nerve function were obtained 4-6 years after the disaster during a clinical exam restricted to those living close to two clinics in Mobile, AL or New Orleans, LA (n = 3401). We obtained covariate data from a baseline enrollment survey and a home visit, both in 2011-2013. The analytic sample included 1186 participants. We did not find strong evidence of associations between exposure to PM2.5 and sensory or motor nerve function, although there was a suggestion of impairment based on single leg stance among individuals with high exposure to PM2.5. Results were generally consistent whether we examined average or cumulative maximum exposures or removed individuals with the highest crude oil exposures to account for co-pollutant confounding. There was no evidence of exposure-response trends. Remediating environmental disasters is essential for long-term human and environmental health. During the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster, burning and flaring of oil and gas were used to remove these pollutants from the environment, but led to potentially high fine particulate matter exposures for spill response workers working on the water. We investigate the potential adverse effects of these exposures on peripheral nerve function; understanding the potential health harm of remediation tactics is necessary to inform future clean up approaches and protect human health.

Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic melamine sponges impregnated with deep eutectic solvents for oil spill cleanup

The extensive extraction of oil from the bottom of seas and oceans and its transportation by tankers increase the risk of potential environmental disasters associated with hydrocarbon fractions entering water reservoirs. Therefore, this paper presents the preparation of a simple impregnation of a melamine sponge with deep eutectic solvents (DES), which can be obtained from natural sources, including coconut oil, palm kernel oil, seed oils, mammalian milk, and substances commonly used in pharmacological and physiological studies. A preselection method based on the COSMO-RS model was used to select the most suitable DES among 760 solvents. The selected DES were prepared and impregnated on melamine sponge (MS). Structural and surface analyses were performed by DES-MS. The process parameters that affect the sorption capacity of DES-MS and the affinity tests were performed for specific oil groups. The highest absorption capacities were obtained for MS impregnated with tetraethylammonium chloride and decanoic acid in a 1:2 M ratio. The prepared new DES-MS were characterized by very high sorption capacities ranging from 40.9 to 99.8 g/g, as well as superhydrophobicity (water contact angle 151°), superoleophobicity (oil contact angle 0°), low density (0.177 g/cm3), high porosity (88.25 %), high thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability, and the possibility of multiple regenerations without loss of sorption capacity. In addition, the preparation of DES-MS is simple and involves little time and consumption of toxic organic solvents. These results indicate that DES-MS may be a “green” and low-cost alternative to current approaches for removing oil from water.

Synthesis of graphene/hollow carbon fiber composite aerogels for oil spill cleanup

To solve environmental problems caused by the spill of oil and other organic liquids, we have developed graphene/hollow carbon fiber composite aerogels (G-CF) with a low density, high hydrophobicity, buoyancy, and adsorption capacity up to 42.7 g g–1.

Recent advances of textile sorbents for oil spills cleanup: A review

Oil sorbents play a significant role in the treatment processes of oil spills, therefore, enhancing the oil-water separation capacity of sorbents has been charming the consideration of scientific researchers. To improve the properties of oil sorption and simplify the process of oil recovery, many advanced oil sorbent devices have been projected recently. Different types of materials are used as sorbents for oil-water separation, however, up to now, there is no review paper focused on textile (woven, knitting, and nonwoven) sorbents, and compared with them. In this review paper, the classification of textile fabrics, properties of surface wetting, fabrication methods of textile sorbents for oil spill cleanup, their properties, and recent applications in the field of oil cleanup are studied. We believe this review can serve as an essential reference for the formation of textile sorbents, their properties, and their applications in the field of oil spill cleanup.

Does corporate governance matter in the cleanup of reported oil spills? Evidence from Nigeria

PurposeThis study aims to examine whether corporate governance mechanisms – board size, board independence and CEO duality – influence the actions of oil companies operating in Nigeria to clean up oil spills from their facilities.Design/methodology/approachBoth binary logistic regression (linear) and random-effects logistic regression models were used to test three hypotheses using a unique data set of 1,262 oil spill events involving 24 oil companies from 2017 to 2019.FindingsThe study found that board size and board independence are positively related to oil spill cleanup.Practical implicationsPrivate oil companies in Nigeria should encourage larger and more independent boards in their corporate governance (CG) structures, as these boards may be more effective in serving the interests of stakeholders by bringing diverse knowledge and experience to the boards. Similarly, regulators should extend the enforcement of CG codes to private firms.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the influence of CG attributes on oil spill cleanup.

Advancing hyper-crosslinked materials with high efficiency and reusability for oil spill response

Developing materials with high efficiency for recovering oil to mitigate the environmental impact of oil spills has always been a challenging task. A commercial melamine formaldehyde sponge was coated with an optimised superhydrophobic/superoleophilic hyper-crosslinked polymer and applied to the removal of crude oil from oil-in-water emulsions for the improvement of oil spill clean-up processes. The high surface area, porosity, hydrophobicity, and selectivity of oil over water made the hyper-crosslinked polymer coated sponge (HPCS) an ideal sorbent for efficient oil/water separation. The system was able to strip crude oil from water emulsions of 1000 ppm to a negligible level of 2 ppm oil with minimal amounts of the HPCS material. More importantly, the HPCS material could be reused via a simple mechanical compression process, and the uptake capacity was retained over ten cycles. For five cycles of oil adsorption/mechanical compression the HPCS was able to provide water filtrate with oil concentrations of under 15 ppm. This is an effective and economical recovery system, removing the need for consistent solvent washing and drying processes. These results suggest that the HPCS is a promising material for oil/water separation and recovery under challenging conditions.

A solvent-template ethyl cellulose-polydimethylsiloxane crosslinking sponge for rapid and efficient oil adsorption

Lipophilic adsorbents for oil-water separation are usually synthesized using the template method, in which hydrophobic materials are coated on a ready-made sponge. Herein, a novel solvent-template technique is used to directly synthesize a hydrophobic sponge, by crosslinking polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with ethyl cellulose (EC) which plays a vital role in the formation of 3D porous structure. The as-prepared sponge has advantages of strong hydrophobility, high elasticity, as well as excellent adsorption performance. In addition, the sponge can be readily decorated by nano-coatings. After the sponge was simply dipped in nanosilica, the water contact angle increases from 139.2° to 144.5°, and the maximum adsorption capacity for chiroform rises from 25.6 g/g to 35.4 g/g. The adsorption equilibrium can be reached within 3 min, and, the sponge can be regenerated by squeezing, without any change in hydrophobility or evident decline in capacity. The simulation tests of emulsion separation and oil-spill cleanup demonstrate that the sponge has great potential in oil-water separation.

Ultralight and highly efficient oil-water selective aerogel from carboxymethyl chitosan and oxidized β-cyclodextrin for marine oil spill cleanup

Biomass-based aerogels for oil spill cleanup have attracted tremendous research interests due to their feasibility in oil-water separation. However, the cumbersome preparation process and toxic cross-linking agents hinder their application. In this work, a facile and novel method to prepare hydrophobic aerogels is reported for the first time. Da-β-CD/CMCS aerogel (DCA), Da-β-CD/CMCS/PVA aerogel (DCPA), and hydrophobic Da-β-CD/CMCS/PVA aerogel (HDCPA) were successfully synthesized via the Schiff base reaction between carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and dialdehyde β-cyclodextrin (Da-β-CD). Meanwhile, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) acted as reinforcement and hydrophobic modification was conducted via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The structure, mechanical properties, hydrophobic behaviors and absorption performance of aerogels were comprehensively characterized. The results indicated that the DCPA containing 7 % PVA exhibited excellent compressibility and elasticity even at a compressive strain of ε = 60 %, however, the DCA without PVA showed incompressibility, suggesting that the important role played by PVA in improving compressibility. Moreover, HDCPA possessed excellent hydrophobicity (water contact angle up to 148.4°), which could be well maintained after experiencing wear and corrosion in harsh environments. HDCPA also possesses high absorption capacities (24.4–56.5 g/g) towards different oils with satisfied recyclability. These advantages endow HDCPA with great potential and application prospects in offshore oil spill cleanup.

Multifunctional magnetic sponge with outstanding solar/electro-thermal performance for high-efficiency and all-day continuous cleanup of crude oil spills

The high-efficient, eco-friendly and low-energy cleanup of viscous crude oil spills is still a global challenge. Emerging absorbents with self-heating function are promising candidates due to that they can significantly decrease crude oil viscosity via in-situ heat transfer so as to accelerate remediation. Herein we developed a novel multifunctional magnetic sponge (P-MXene/Fe3O4@MS) with outstanding solar/electro-thermal performance by facilely coating Ti3C2TX MXene, nano-Fe3O4 and polydimethylsiloxane onto melamine sponge for fast crude oil recovery. Superior hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 147°) and magnetic responsivity allowed P-MXene/Fe3O4@MS to be magnetically driven for oil/water separation and easy recycling. Owing to excellent full-solar-spectrum absorption (average absorptivity of 96.5 %), effective photothermal conversion and high conductivity (resistance of 300 Ω), P-MXene/Fe3O4@MS possessed remarkable solar/Joule heating capability. The maximum surface temperature of P-MXene/Fe3O4@MS could quickly reach 84 °C under a solar irradiation of 1.0 kW/m2 and 100 °C after applying a voltage of 20 V. The generated heat induced a significant decrease of crude oil viscosity, enabling the composite sponge to absorb more than 27 times its weight of crude oil within 2 min (1.0 kW/m2 irradiation). More importantly, by means of the synergistic effect of Joule heating and solar heating, a pump-assisted absorption device based on P-MXene/Fe3O4@MS was able to realize the high-efficiency and all-day continuous separation of high-viscosity oil on water surface (crude oil flux = 710 kg m−2 h−1). The new-typed multifunctional sponge provides a competitive approach for dealing with large-area crude oil pollution.

Enhanced antibacterial activity of composite fibers from polylactic acid and nanosilver‐coated ground tea leaves for sustainable green composite textiles

AbstractThis study aimed to create an environmentally friendly composite textile with enhanced antibacterial properties using polylactic acid (PLA) and nanosilver‐coated ground tea leaves (Ag/GTL). The green coating process was applied to produce the Ag/GTL, which was further used as an additive in the PLA matrix. Composite fiber showed a light green color and a slightly rough surface. The thermal properties tended to decrease with increasing masterbatch content, while the crystallinity was significantly increased. The mechanical test demonstrated the composite fibers trend toward decreased tenacity and higher elongation at break. PLA‐3, which has good spinnability and acceptable mechanical properties, was used to prepare the composite fabric. Moreover, the Ag/GTL additive also enhanced the antibacterial activity of composite fabric, especially Staphylococcus aureus as the gram‐positive bacteria and Escherichia coli as the gram‐negative bacteria, by up to 99%. In addition, composite fibers exhibiting engine oil sorption were expected to be applied in oil spill cleanup applications.

Mann’s Cucumeropsis Seed Shell as an Oil Sorbent: Kinetic, Isotherm, and Thermodynamic Studies

Oil spill cleanup using agricultural wastes, which otherwise cause environmental contamination, has gained popularity. In this study, the feasibility of using Mann's cucumeropsis seed shell, a commonly found agricultural waste, as an oil spill mop, was investigated. To identify the surface characteristics of the seed shell, SEM and BET analyses were employed. Batch crude oil sorption tests were performed under various adsorption conditions to determine the effects of initial oil concentration, contact time, adsorption temperature, and adsorbent dosage. Kinetic study of the sorption process involved the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion models. Isotherm analysis involved the Langmuir, Temkin, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms. Additionally, the thermodynamic parameters for the sorption process were established. SEM analysis revealed the porous nature of the seed shell's surface. The BET surface area was 313.2 m²/g. The oil sorption process conformed best to the pseudo-first-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm. The monolayer sorption capacity of the seed shell was 13.072 g/g. The sorption process was exothermic, with some order at the adsorbent–mixture interface. The study's findings demonstrate that Mann's cucumeropsis seed shell is a potent oil sorbent that is safe for the environment and can be enhanced for use in cleaning up oil spills.

Facile fabrication of superhydrophobic magnetic bio-waste for oil spill cleanup

In this study, we have demonstrated a facile method to convert corncob, an abundant and low-cost bio-waste, into a superhydrophobic magnetic bio-sorbent with potential application in oil spill remediation. We immobilized CoFe2O4 nanoparticles on the surface of corncob using the co-precipitation method to magnetize the surface of the bio-waste. Additionally, we applied silica and octadecylamine (ODA) coatings to create a rough and low surface energy sorbent material, respectively, which significantly improved its oil sorption capacity. The fabricated magnetic composite exhibited excellent magnetic responsivity (saturation magnetization: 32 emu/g), superhydrophobicity (water contact angle: 165˚), and superoleophilicity (oil contact angle: 0˚). The modified corncob (MCC) powder was easily separated using a magnetic field and showed oil sorption capacity 22.13, 13.33, 57.65, and 44.17 times its original weight for crude oils with API 23.5° and 29.7°, fresh and used motor oil, respectively. The fabricated bio-sorbent could be recovered and reused in oil-water separation at least 10 times, with a water contact angle and sorption capacity of 158.5˚ and 42 g/g, respectively, after 10 cycles. Furthermore, it displayed remarkable durability in corrosive media. We compared the performance of MCC powder with three different bio-wastes, including coconut husk, acorn, and rice husk, and found that MCC powder and coconut husk showed preferable performance over the others. Overall, our study provides a facile and efficient method for converting corncob and other bio-wastes into a superhydrophobic magnetic bio-sorbent for oil spill cleanup.

Cellulose nanofiber/MXene/luffa aerogel for all-weather and high-efficiency cleanup of crude oil spills

The remediation of heavy crude oil spills is a global challenge because frequent crude oil spills cause long-term damage to local living beings and marine ecosystems. Herein, a solar-driven and Joule-driven self-heated aerogel were developed as an all-weather adsorbent to efficiently absorb crude oil by obviously decreasing the viscosity of crude oil. The cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/MXene/luffa (CML) aerogel was fabricated via a simple freeze-drying method using CNF, MXene, and luffa as raw materials, and then coated with a layer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to make it hydrophobic and further increase oil-water selectivity. The aerogel can quickly reach 98 °C under 1 sun (1.0 kW/m2), which remains saturated temperature after 5 times photothermal heating/cooling cycles, indicating that the aerogel has great photothermal conversation capability and stability. Meanwhile, the aerogel can also rapidly rise to 110.8 °C with a voltage of 12 V. More importantly, the aerogel achieved the highest temperature of 87.2 °C under outdoor natural sunlight, providing a possibility for promising applications in practical situations. The remarkable heating capability enables the aerogel to decrease the viscosity of crude oil substantially and increase the absorption rate of crude oil by the physical capillary action. The proposed all-weather aerogel design provides a sustainable and promising solution for cleaning up crude oil spills.

Exposure to volatile hydrocarbons and neurologic function among oil spill workers up to 6 years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster

BackgroundDuring the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) disaster, oil spill response and cleanup (OSRC) workers were exposed to toxic volatile components of crude oil. Few studies have examined exposure to individual volatile hydrocarbon chemicals below occupational exposure limits in relation to neurologic function among OSRC workers. ObjectivesTo investigate the association of several spill-related chemicals (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, n-hexane, i.e., BTEX-H) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (THC) with neurologic function among DWH spill workers enrolled in the Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study. MethodsCumulative exposure to THC and BTEX-H across the oil spill cleanup period were estimated using a job-exposure matrix that linked air measurement data to detailed self-reported DWH OSRC work histories. We ascertained quantitative neurologic function data via a comprehensive test battery at a clinical examination that occurred 4–6 years after the DWH disaster. We used multivariable linear regression and modified Poisson regression to evaluate relationships of exposures (quartiles (Q)) with 4 neurologic function measures. We examined modification of the associations by age at enrollment (<50 vs. ≥50 years). ResultsWe did not find evidence of adverse neurologic effects from crude oil exposures among the overall study population. However, among workers ≥50 years of age, several individual chemical exposures were associated with poorer vibrotactile acuity of the great toe, with statistically significant effects observed in Q3 or Q4 of exposures (range of log mean difference in Q4 across exposures: 0.13–0.26 μm). We also observed suggestive adverse associations among those ≥ age 50 years for tests of postural stability and single-leg stance, although most effect estimates did not reach thresholds of statistical significance (p < 0.05). ConclusionsHigher exposures to volatile components of crude oil were associated with modest deficits in neurologic function among OSRC workers who were age 50 years or older at study enrollment.

Investigating the potential of rhamnolipid as an eco-friendly surfactant for environmental protection in oil spill clean-up

Investigating the potential of rhamnolipid as an eco-friendly surfactant for environmental protection in oil spill clean-up

A qualitative study on the morbidity experiences of under-five children in oil spill communities

Introduction: Under-five years old (U5) children that reside in oil spill communities are exposed to various pollutants, and therefore are prone to respiratory symptoms and diseases. This study aimed to develop a deeper understanding on the lived experiences of U5 children residing in these communities. Methods: The study was done in August, 2022 , on eleven caregivers/parents of U5 children, aged 26-45 years old via purposive sampling. This study utilized a phenomenological research design through in-depth interviews and audio recordings. Results: Findings revealed that numerous oil spills have occurred, and are still occurring. According to the respondents, these spills are caused majorly by poor maintenance of old, rusted pipelines of oil companies; and pipeline vandalism, leading to land, water and air pollution. Results also showed that these spills have led to several adverse respiratory health (RH) experiences in U5, including cough, catarrh, chest pain and other health emergencies that have resulted in frequent hospital visitations and admissions like difficulty/fast breathing, pneumonia, hemoptysis, exacerbation of previously existing conditions, asthma development, etc. The destruction of their source of livelihood, have contributed to worsening these symptoms. Conclusion: U5 children living in crude oil polluted areas are burdened with a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases. Implementation of already existing regulatory laws on oil pollution, prompt clean-up of oil spills, provision of standard health facilities, and trained health personnels, were some of the measures recommended to curb the menace of crude oil spills and its RH effects.

Construction of Super-Hydrophobic Lignocellulosic Nanofibrils Aerogels as Speedy Oil Absorbents.

Lignocellulosic nanofibrils (LCNF) aerogels have a three-dimensional structure, with large specific surface area, low density, which is promising to be developed into a new type of adsorbent with high absorption capacity. However, LCNF aerogels have the problem of simultaneous oil and water adsorption. This high hydrophilicity directly leads to low adsorption efficiency in oil-water systems. This paper suggests a facile and economical method for the synthesis of biocompatible CE-LCNF aerogels using LCNF and Castor oil triglycidyl ether (CE) was successfully established. The use of LCNF enabled aerogels to possess remarkably uniform pore size and structural integrity, while the introduction of hydrophobic silica produced stable superhydrophobicity for more than 50 days at room temperature. These aerogels presented desirable hydrophobicity (131.6°), excellent oil adsorption capacity (62.5 g/g) and excellent selective sorption property, making them ideal absorbents for oil spill cleaning. The effects of ratios of LCNF to CE composition, temperatures and oil viscosity on the oil adsorption performance of aerogels were estimated. The results displayed that the aerogels had the maximum adsorption capacity at 25 °C. The pseudo-secondary model had higher validity in oil adsorption kinetic theories compared to the pseudo-first-order model. The CE-LCNF aerogels were excellent super-absorbents for oil removal. Moreover, the LCNF was renewable and nontoxic, which has the potential to promote environmental applications.

Non-woven sorbent based on recycled jute fibers for efficient oil spill clean-up: From production to biodegradation

Loose assemblies of cellulose fibers could be employed in the clean-up of oil spills, but the difficulty to separate them from the spill after use makes them impractical. In an effort to tackle this issue, a non-woven sorbent based on recycled jute fibers from the carpet industry was developed. To enhance the porosity and hydrophobicity/oleophilicity of the sorbent, carbonization in an inert atmosphere was carried out. A comparison in oil sorption performance between non-carbonized and carbonized sorbents was made by evaluating the oil capacity in a water medium, buoyancy, oil retention and reusability. Carbonization of sorbent resulted in more than doubled oil sorption capacity independent of oil viscosity. Oil viscosity did not affect the oil sorption capacity of non-carbonized sorbent. Carbonized sorbent showed superior buoyancy in water even after 24 hours, oil retention of approximately 60–80% after 3 hours and only 12–20% decline of oil sorption capacity after five repeated sorption/desorption trials. However, the ability of oiled non-carbonized sorbent to efficiently biodegrade in model compost (up to 45% weight loss after 10 weeks) makes it a sustainable candidate for oil spill clean-up.

Biodegradable Membrane with High Porosity and Hollow Structure Obtained via Electrospinning for Oil Spill Clean-up Application

Biodegradable Membrane with High Porosity and Hollow Structure Obtained via Electrospinning for Oil Spill Clean-up Application

Magnetically Guided Synthesis of Anisotropic Porous Carbons toward Efficient CO2 Capture and Magnetic Separation of Oil

Conventional synthetic strategies do not allow one to impart structural anisotropy into porous carbons, thus leading to limited control over their textural properties. While structural anisotropy alters the mechanical properties of materials, it also introduces an additional degree of directionality to increase the pore connectivity and thus the flux in the designed direction. Accordingly, in this work the structure of porous carbons prepared from resorcinol-formaldehyde gels has been rendered anisotropic by integrating superparamagnetic colloids to the sol-gel precursor solution and by applying a uniform magnetic field during the sol-gel transition, which enables the self-assembly of magnetic colloids into chainlike structures to template the growth of the gel phase. Notably, the anisotropic pore structure is maintained upon pyrolysis of the gel, leading to hierarchically porous carbon monoliths with tunable structure and porosities. With an advantage granted to anisotropic materials, these porous carbons showed higher porosity, a higher CO2 uptake capacity of 3.45 mmol g-1 at 273 K at 1.1 bar, and faster adsorption kinetics compared to the ones synthesized in the absence of magnetic field. Moreover, these materials were also used as magnetic sorbents with fast adsorption kinetics for efficient oil-spill cleanup and retrieved easily by using an external magnetic field.