Spill Cleanup Research Articles

Eco-friendly bacterial cellulose/MXene aerogel with excellent photothermal and electrothermal conversion capabilities for efficient separation of crude oil/seawater mixture

Developing novel absorbent materials targeting high-efficiency, low-energy-consumption, and environmental-friendly oil spill cleanup is still a global issue. Porous absorbents endowed with self-heating function are an attractive option because of that they are able to in-situ heat crude oil and dramatically reduce oil viscosity for efficient remediation. Herein, we facilely prepared an eco-friendly multifunctional bacterial cellulose/MXene aerogel (P-SBC/MXene aerogel) for rapid oil recovery. Thanks to excellent full solar spectrum absorption (average absorbance = 96.6 %), efficient photo-thermal conversion, and superior electrical conductivity (electrical resistance = 36 Ω), P-SBC/MXene aerogel exhibited outstanding photothermal and electrothermal capabilities. Its surface temperature could quickly reach 93 °C under 1.0 kW/m2 solar irradiation and 124 °C under 3.0 V voltage respectively, enabling effective heat transfer toward spilled oil. The produced heat significantly decreased crude oil viscosity, allowing P-SBC/MXene aerogel to rapidly absorb oil. By combining solar heating and Joule heating, P-SBC/MXene aerogel connected to a pump-assisted absorption device was capable of achieving all-weather crude oil removal from seawater (crude oil flux = 630 kg m−2 h−1). More notably, P-SBC/MXene aerogel showed splendid outdoor crude oil separation performance. Based on remarkable crude oil/seawater separation ability, the versatile aerogel provides a promising way to deal with large-area oil spills.

Ambient-dried, scalable and biodegradable cellulose nanofibers aerogel for oil-spill cleanup

Aerogels made of surface-modified cellulose nanofibers (CNF) have the potential to be a long-term solution for oil spill cleanup and industrial waste-water treatment, but their use is currently constrained by high preparation costs, lengthy processing times, and use of hazardous chemicals. In this study, a cost-effective and easily scalable cellulose nanofibers aerogel is developed using sugarcane bagasse as the cellulose source. The aqueous suspension of CNF and urea is freeze-thawed and then dried at ambient temperatures to produce CNF aerogels, avoiding the costly and time-consuming freeze-drying or supercritical drying methods. The role of urea in the aerogel structure is investigated using molecular dynamics. The aerogel exhibited an elastic modulus of 1345 KPa and a porosity of 96.9 %. To enhance the hydrophobicity of the surface of these aerogels, they are coated with the biodegradable polymer polycaprolactone (PCL). Further, two molecular weights (MW) PCL 10,000 and 80,000 are used to examine the impact of PCL MW on the performance and biodegradability of aerogel. Moreover, the efficacy of these green modifications is being compared to the conventional silane modifications. The 10,000 MW PCL-modified aerogel demonstrated a water-contact angle measuring 125.5°, an oil sorption capacity of 24 g/g, and exceptional recyclability even after undergoing 20 cycles. Further, after 15 days, the aerogel showed excellent biodegradability.

Sustainable polyurethane for the remediation of oil spills: a review.

Catastrophic oil spill is one of the major issues to the environment. Various methods have been used to treat oil spillage including in situ burning, the use of skimmers, dispersants, bioremediation, dispersing agents, oil sorbents, and biological agents. Application of oil sorbent is one of the effective solutions in oil spill clean-up. Polymers are sustainable extraordinary materials for the treatment of oil spillage due to their special physicochemical characteristics such as high porosity, good hydrophobicity, and reusability. Polymers are modified using suitable chemical reagents and their hydrophobicity is enhanced, making them suitable for oil spill clean-up. The present manuscript is an attempt to summarize the study of chemical modifications done on a polymer polyurethane (PU) for achieving the desirable properties, for efficient oil spill clean-up. A patent analysis has been carried out for the leading countries, top inventors, leading assignees, trends of patent publications, citation analysis, and summary of granted patents in the area of the use ofapolymerPolyurethane (PU) for oil spill clean-up.

Non-target analysis of crude oil photooxidation products at high latitudes and their biological effects

With new oil and gas lease sales in high-latitude regions, there exists a need to better understand the chemical fate of spilled oil and its effects on biological life. To address this need, laboratory simulations of crude oil spills under sub-Arctic conditions were conducted using artificial seawater and exposure to solar irradiation to create Hydrocarbon Oxidation Products (HOPs). HOPs characterization and their biological effects were assessed using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) with high resolution mass Orbitrap spectrometry and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) chemically activated luciferase gene expression (CALUX) assay. Non-target UHPLC-Orbitrap mass spectrometry analysis identified 251 HOPs that were in greater abundance in light-exposed samples than dark controls. Oxidized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were also detected, including phenanthrene quinone, anthraquinone, hydroxyanthraquinone, and 9-fluoreneone. The composition of HOPs were consistent with photo-products of alkylated two to four ring PAHs, primarily compounds between 1 and 3 aromatic rings and 1–3 oxygens. The HOP mixture formed during photochemical weathering of Cook Inlet crude oil induced greater AhR activity than parent petroleum products solubilized in dark controls, indicating that HOPs, as a complex mixture, may contribute to petroleum toxicity more than the parent petroleum compounds. These non-targeted approaches provide the most comprehensive analysis of hydrocarbon oxidation products to date, highlighting the diversity of the complex mixture resulting from the photooxidation of crude oil and the limitations of targeted analyses for adequately monitoring HOPs in the environment. Taken together, these data identify a critical “blind spot” in environmental monitoring and spill clean-up strategies as there is a diverse pool of HOPs that may negatively impact human and ecosystem health.

Preparation of polystyrene and silane-modified nano-silica superhydrophobic and superoleophilic three-dimensional composite fiber membranes for efficient oil absorption and oil-water separation

Oily solid waste and wastewater are two kinds of contaminants that seriously endanger the environment and the general public. Recently, superhydrophobic and superoleophilic materials have attracted extensive attention owing to their exceptional oil-water separation capabilities. In this study, we demonstrated a simple, low-cost, and high-economic efficiency method to prepare nanosilica (SiO2) from dye diatomite filter aid waste (DDW) and silanize it with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) to form hydrophobic nanosilica (hSiO2) by solution impregnation. Polystyrene/hydrophobic nanosilica (PS/hSiO2) composite fiber membranes with a rough surface and low surface energy were prepared by electrospinning. The prepared PS/hSiO2 water contact angle can reach 166.6°, showing superhydrophobicity and excellent adsorption capacity for various common oils. The maximum oil absorption capacity for transformer oil can reach 136.4 g/g. Importantly, the oil absorption process of the nanocomposite is selective, fast, and efficient, and it can be used for the purification of oil-contaminated water. In addition, it also demonstrates remarkable durability and stability in strong acid and alkali solutions. This strategy of making oil-water separation materials from solid waste may offer a straightforward, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable option for the treatment of solid waste, industrial oil wastewater treatment, and marine oil spill cleanup.

Thermal and solutal transport by Cattaneo-Christov model for the magnetohydrodynamic Williamson fluid with joule heating and heat source/sink

This article scrutinizes the 2-dimensional and boundary layer flow of magnetohydrodynamic Williamson fluid flowing on a stretchable surface with variable viscosity. The thermal and solutal rates are examined through the Cattaneo-Christov model with Joule heating, heat source/sink, and chemical reaction. The authors are motivated to conduct this study because of its practical and scientific significance in various processes, including polymer processing, textile industries, food industries, solar energy, biomedical science, wind turbine blades, oil spill clean-up, metal rolling, and forging. With the mentioned assumptions, the partial differential equations are achieved by using the basic governing laws, including momentum law, energy law, and concentration law. This non-linear system of equations is transmuted into ordinary differential equations by taking similarity transformations. The main novelty behind the conduction of this work is the numerical technique, namely the ‘Adams-Milne (Predictor-Corrector)’ method along with the Runge-Kutta technique on Matlab software, which has not previously been studied by any researcher in the literature. The analytical solution of the determined equations is not possible due to their highly non-linear nature; therefore the multistep numerical method namely the ‘Adams-Milne (Predictor-Corrector)’ method, along with the Runge-Kutta technique is used to determine the numerical results. The outcomes are noted due to numerous parameters for velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles. The explanation of graphical and numerical results is discussed here. The graphical impression of the Williamson parameter reveals that the velocity and temperature curves diminish for higher inputs of this parameter. The movement of fluid shows the declining behavior for the Hartmann number and viscosity parameter. The solutal and thermal findings due to Cattaneo-Christov heat and mass relaxation coefficients mark the reducing behaviour in respective field. The rise in reaction coefficient decreases the mass distribution. The analyses of comparison of results are also presented here.

Room-temperature synthesis of fluorinated covalent organic framework decorated superhydrophobic sponges for highly efficient crude oil spill cleanup

Frequent oil spills cause substantial economic losses and pose a significant threat to human life. Urgent measures must be taken to develop a highly effective approach to mitigating oil spills and minimizing their potential consequences. Herein, we synthesized MS@COFs-F, fluorinated covalent organic framework-decorated superhydrophobic sponges, to clean up crude oil spills efficiently. The synthesis method involved a simple and effective room-temperature approach, utilizing 2,4,6-tris(4-aminophenyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TAPT) as the amine monomer and binding it with three aldehyde monomers of varying fluoride content. The MS@COFs-F with the highest fluorine content, known as MS@COFs-F4, exhibited low surface energy, superhydrophobicity (water contact angle of 155.7°), a large specific surface area of 180 m2/g, and exceptional chemical, mechanical, and thermal stability. MS@COFs-F4 demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in adsorbing crude oils and organic solvents of diverse viscosities, exhibiting an adsorption capacity between 68.5 and 125.9 g/g, achieving an oil–water separation efficiency exceeding 97.0 %. Additionally, MS@COFs-F4 showcased self-cleaning and flame-retardant properties, further enhancing its suitability for real-world applications. MS@COFs-F4 holds the potential to offer a novel, safe, and effective approach in addressing oil spill incidents.

Solar-driven, highly-efficient, and environmentally-friendly oil spill cleanup by a superelastic photothermal thermoplastic polyurethane monolith with aligned channels

Cleanup of crude oil spills is challenging due to its high viscosity. Reducing the viscosity of crude oil by elevating its temperature and thus promoting absorption is considered a promising and environmentally-friendly way to address this worldwide issue. Herein, we propose a photothermal superelastic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based monolith with aligned channels successively modified with MXene and polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) (P-MXene@TPU) for crude oil absorption and recovery. The well-oriented structures help reduce mass transfer hindrance and accelerate heat transfer, while MXene and PDMS endow the monolith with excellent photothermal conversion property and hydrophobicity, respectively. P-MXene@TPU monolith demonstrates superior oil absorption performance under solar irradiation as self-heating is realized to decrease the crude oil viscosity and promote its absorption rate. Particularly noteworthy is that P-MXene@TPU monolith can bear 300 compression cycles with a deformation of 9 % owing to the superelastic TPU skeleton and aligned channels. The stable compression performance and anti-fatigue property validate that the monolith is suitable for recovering crude oil by extrusion. Continuous crude oil recovery is achieved via a pumping device and solar irradiation (1.0 kW/m2) enhances the recovery rate by a factor of 18, as compared to the one without irradiation. Given the unique structural design and exceptional properties, this monolith provides a highly efficient approach for handing the crude oil spills.

Green Engineering with Nanofluids: Elevating Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Colloidal suspensions of nanoparticles in a base fluid, known as nanofluids, have gained attention as a promising green technology with a lot of promise to address issues with sustainability and energy efficiency in a variety of industries. The main features and uses of nanofluids as a sustainable solution are summarized in this paper. Due to their high thermal conductivity and high surface area to volume ratio, nanoparticles give off exceptional thermal and heat transmission capabilities. They are a desirable option for boosting the effectiveness of heat exchange systems, such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and cooling in electronic equipment, due to their improved qualities. Higher heat transfer rates and lower energy consumption can be achieved by using nanofluids as coolants or heat transfer fluids, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions and energy expenditures. Nanofluids have also found use in the realm of renewable energy, where they can improve the performance of geothermal and solar thermal collectors. The capture and conversion of renewable energy sources can be greatly enhanced by using nanofluids as working fluids in these systems, helping to create a greener and more sustainable energy landscape. Additionally, environmental cleanup and pollution management could benefit from the use of nanofluids. They are appropriate for uses including wastewater treatment, oil spill cleanup, and air purification because of their special features that allow for effective heat transfer and pollutant absorption. Furthermore, nanofluids can significantly contribute to lowering the amount of water and energy used in industrial operations, thus advancing sustainability objectives. The numerous uses of nanofluids as a green technology are highlighted in this paper, with an emphasis on their potential to improve energy efficiency, lessen environmental impact, and contribute to a more sustainable future. As this area of study and development develops, nanofluids will be in a position to play a crucial part in resolving the urgent problems of our day.

Superhydrophobic Co-MOF-based sponge for efficient oil-water separation utilizing photothermal effect

Effectively addressing crude oil spills remains a global challenge due to its high viscosity and limited flow characteristics. In this study, we successfully prepared a modified sponge (PCP@MS) by embedding the photothermal material of Co-HHTP and coating the melamine sponge (MS) with low-surface-energy polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The PCP@MS exhibited outstanding hydrophobicity with WCA of 160.2° and high oil absorption capacity of 59–107 g/g. The PCP@MS showed high separation efficiency of 99.2% for various oil-water mixtures, along with notable self-cleaning properties and mechanical stability. The internal micro-nano hierarchical structure on the sponge surface significantly enhanced light absorption, synergizing with the photo-thermal conversion properties of Co-HHTP, enabled PCP@MS to achieve a surface temperature of 109.2 °C under 1.0 solar light within 300 s. With the aid of solar radiation, PCP@MS is able to heat up quickly and successfully lowering the viscosity of the surrounding crude oil, resulting in an oil recovery rate of 8.76 g/min. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation results revealed that Co-HHTP featured a zero-gap band structure, rendering advantageous electronic properties for full-wavelength light absorption. This in situ solar-heated absorbent design is poised to advance the practical application of viscous oil spill cleanup and recovery.

Development of a spiropyran-assisted cellulose aerogel with switchable wettability as oil sorbent for oil spill cleanup

This research presents the successful development and optimization of a spiropyran-assisted cellulose aerogel (CNF-SP) aerogel with UV-induced switchable wettability, and the evaluation of its performance as an effective oil sorbent for oil spill cleanup. The aerogel initially exhibited strong hydrophobicity (124°) and showed UV-induced switchable wettability due to the photo-response structure of spiropyran. Upon UV irradiation, the hydrophobicity of the aerogel could be switched to hydrophilicity (31°), while visible light irradiation could restore its hydrophobicity. The three-dimensional (3D) porous structure of the CNF-SP aerogel combined with the hydrophobic properties of spiropyranol led to its great oil adsorption performance (27–30 g/g of oil adsorption ratio). The central composite design (CCD) was applied to optimize the aerogel and investigate the effects of raw material ratio (i.e., carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl spiropyran, polyvinyl alcohol, and nano zinc oxide) on the oil sorption performance of the aerogel. The optimized CNF-SP aerogel demonstrated a high oil sorption efficiency, particularly in acid and cold environments. Moreover, the switchable function indicated that the aerogel exhibited reusability and renewability, with the added benefit of UV-induced oil recovery.

Self-Assembled Organic Aerogel and Sponges for Rapid and Effective Absorption of Oil from Oil- Contaminated Soil Samples

Crude oil spills pose significant risks to both marine ecosystems and human populations. Traditional remediation techniques have their limitations, prompting the exploration of innovative approaches. This study introduces a novel method involving the synthesis of a self-assembled sponge and organic aerogel. These materials were further modified using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and dodecyltrimethoxysilane (DTMS) to impart hydrophobic properties. Characterization via SEM examination and FTIR spectroscopy revealed distinctive features, including bands at approximately 1050 cm-1 and 790 cm-1, indicative of alkyl side chain stretching by Si-O-C and C-H, respectively, enhancing the hydrophobicity of the materials. The SEM images depicted a random rough surface with abundant pores, facilitating oil adsorption from contaminated samples. Notably, after seven cycles of use with contaminated soil samples, the organic aerogel exhibited exceptional oil removal capacity, achieving 100% efficiency according to the Sears method. This innovative sponge and organic aerogel-based approach represents a promising advancement in environmental remediation, offering a highly efficient and sustainable solution for oil spill cleanup.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Regional Storm Surge Reduction Strategies and Tank Level Structural Mitigation Measures for Aboveground Storage Tanks

The effectiveness of regional storm surge reduction strategies and tank-level structural mitigation measures in reducing the failure probability of aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) were studied. Given past failures during flood and hurricane events, several studies have developed fragility models for ASTs. However, the suitability of these fragility models for different hurricane hazard scenarios is unknown. Furthermore, to combat climate change and sea level rise, several regional storm surge reduction strategies are being proposed. However, the effectiveness of these strategies in improving the safety of ASTs is also unknown. So, herein, a framework was proposed that facilitates assessing the suitability of fragility models and the quantification of AST failures and their consequences while propagating uncertainties using Monte Carlo simulations. The application of the proposed framework to Cameron, Louisiana, provided several key insights: (1) fragility models that do not model wave loads and dislocation failure are not suitable for the region; (2) a regional risk mitigation strategy was insufficient for lowering future spill volume, repair, and cleanup costs; and (3) considering bottom-plate failure of anchored tanks—a structural risk mitigation measure—would lead to a 47–72% reduction in the consequences of tank failure.

Hydrothermal and Laser-Guided Janus Membrane with Dual Wettability for Unidirectional Oil/Water Separation.

The development of a Janus membrane with contrasting chemical functionality/or wettability on opposite faces has shown great promise as a passive and energy-efficient oil/water separation technology. Notably, one side of the membrane is designed hydrophilic (i.e., water-attracting in air and underwater oleophobic) and the other hydrophobic (i.e., water-repelling in air and underwater oleophilic). The distinctive surface wettability features of the membrane allow it to repel water and attract oil without consuming energy, thus making it an attractive technology for passively separating oil/water mixtures. The hydrophobic face of the membrane captures oil droplets while allowing water to pass through, and the hydrophilic side attracts water droplets and allows oil to pass. Nonetheless, crafting a Janus membrane is complex, tedious, and expensive. To overcome these limitations, an easy and inexpensive two-step fabrication process for the Janus membrane is proposed in this work. The first step involves creating a superhydrophilic face by the hydrothermally guided deposition of nanoneedles on either side of a commercially available hydrophobic carbon sheet. In the second step, the double-faced surface is subjected to a pulsed laser to create conical micropores studied for oil/water separation. The fabricated membrane is economically affordable and environment friendly. Besides being energy-efficient (as the separation process works passively), the membrane demonstrates an efficient oil/water separating performance. The potential application of this work is diverse and impactful, encompassing wastewater treatment, oil spill cleanup, and various industrial separation processes.

Synthesis of Functionalized Flexible and Rigid Polyurethane for Oil Spill Treatment

Abstract. To improve the oleophilic and hydrophobic properties of two different types of polyurethane sponge (flexible, FPU, and rigid, RPU) for oil spill cleanup, acrylamido phenyl chalcone palamitamid, a recently synthesized monomer with long chains of linear alkyl groups, was in situ crosslinked with divinylbenzene. Grafted PU cubes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The water sorption of ungrafted FPU and RPU decreased from 18.05 and 15.66 to 7.31 and 7.06 for grafted FPU and RPU, respectively. The effect of oil type on the sorption capacity testing was explored and compared using crude oil, diesel fuel, and water-oil systems. It was found that the crude oil and diesel fuel sorption of grafted FPU and RPU cubes was increased compared with ungrafted FPU and RPU cubes, and the maximum values for adsorption were recorded using crude oil. These results can be explained by increasing the adherent forces between the adsorbent and the oil surface with increasing oil viscosity, and consequently, the oil adsorption increases. The high oil absorption capacity is mainly attributed to the high porosity of the sponges. The modified FPU and RPU cubes can be effectively used in oil and water spill cleanup.

Utilization of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) biomass as eco-friendly sorbent for petroleum oil spill cleanup

Abstract This study focuses on the removal of spent engine oil (SEO) spill from the water surface using water hyacinth biomass (WHB)-based sorbents. The raw WHB was modified using extra virgin coconut oil (mainly consisting of lauric acid) to enhance the hydrophobicity and floating ability. With varying amounts of coconut oil and solvent, six diverse types of modified water hyacinth biomass (MWHB) were prepared. Among these MWHBs, an equal proportion of coconut oil and raw WHB with 10% methanol solution exhibited the highest removal of SEO reaching 96%. Various sorption kinetics and isotherm models were examined to understand the SEO sorption process on MWHB. The pseudo-second-order kinetics (R2 0.999) and both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models (R2 0.992 and R2 0.999, respectively) were found to be the best-fitting models. These findings indicated a chemisorption mechanism involving the initial monolayer coverage of SEO molecules on the MWHB surface followed by the development of multilayers. The MWHB achieved a maximum sorption capacity of 4.75 g/g within 60 min. Furthermore, the reusability tests showed that MWHB maintained a sorption capacity of over 90% even after the third sorption–desorption cycle.

Recycled plastic powder for oil spill clean-up

This work investigated an eco-friendly, low-cost approach for oil spill remediation using recycled plastic powder (RPP). SEM, TEM and BET analysis, characterized the plastic sorbents. Batch adsorption experiments demonstrated RPP's effectiveness in oil removal under various conditions. Pseudo-second-order kinetics provided a good description of adsorption kinetics, indicating chemisorption as the main mechanism. Optimal oil removal of 96.1 % was achieved at pH 7, 25 °C temperature, 90 min contact time, 50 mg L−1 starting oil content, and 20 mg RPP dose. Adsorption equilibrium followed the Sips isotherm model, suggesting complex heterogeneous adsorption with highest capability of 53.4 mg g−1. Thermodynamic studies verified the endothermic and spontaneous nature of adsorption. RPP also showed excellent regeneration capability, recovering 95.2 % of the initial adsorption capacity after 5 reuse cycles. Generally, recycled plastic may be more cost-effective than producing new plastic from raw materials, as it reduces the need for virgin materials and can save energy.

Preparing the Frontlines: Delivering Special Pathogen Training to Maryland Hospital Staff.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) at community hospitals, also known as frontline hospitals (FLHs), may encounter patients with possible infectious diseases, including those caused by high-consequence pathogens such as Zaire ebolavirus. We created and piloted a 1-day, in-person, didactic and skills training program to determine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing an educational program to enhance the knowledge and skills needed to respond when a patient with a potential high-consequence pathogen presents to an FLH. The Maryland Department of Health queried all 104 state FLHs to identify their interest in participating in the pilot training program. HCWs from 12 (75%) of the 16 interested FLHs participated in the program before it was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to pathogen-specific training based on the Identify, Isolate, and Inform framework, we provided skills training in the proper use of personal protective equipment, spill cleanup, and removal of an incapacitated HCW from an isolation area. We conducted a paired pretraining and posttraining knowledge assessment and measured a significant learning gain among 135 participants (2-tailed t test, P<.05). Over 95% of the participants reported that the training was relevant to their daily work and the clinical simulations and reference material were useful and appropriate for their learning level. Findings from this pilot program demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a 1-day combined didactic and skills training program focused on high-consequence pathogens. We plan to reengage the original FLHs and add regional FLHs in an updated training effort based on our findings.

Clarifying the murk: unveiling bacterial dynamics in response to crude oil pollution, Corexit-dispersant, and natural sunlight in the Gulf of Mexico

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DwH) Oil spill released an enormous volume of oil into the Gulf of Mexico (GoM), prompting the widespread use of chemical dispersants like Corexit® EC9500A. The ecological consequences of this treatment, especially when combined with natural factors such as sunlight, remain unexplored in the context of marine bacterial communities’ dynamics. To address this knowledge gap, our study employed a unique metaproteomic approach, investigating the combined effects of sunlight, crude Macondo surrogate oil, and Corexit on GoM microbiome across different mesocosms. Exposure to oil and/or Corexit caused a marked change in community composition, with a decrease in taxonomic diversity relative to controls in only 24 hours. Hydrocarbon (HC) degraders, particularly those more tolerant to Corexit and phototoxic properties of crude oil and/or Corexit, proliferated at the expense of more sensitive taxa. Solar radiation exacerbated these effects in most taxa. We demonstrated that sunlight increased the dispersant’s toxicity, impacting on community structure and functioning. These functional changes were primarily directed by oxidative stress with upregulated proteins and enzymes involved in protein turnover, general stress response, DNA replication and repair, chromosome condensation, and cell division. These factors were more abundant in chemically treated conditions, especially in the presence of Corexit compared to controls. Oil treatment significantly enhanced the relative abundance of Alteromonas, an oil-degrading Gammaproteobacteria. In combined oil-Corexit treatments, the majority of identified protein functions were assigned to Alteromonas, with strongly expressed proteins involved in membrane transport, motility, carbon and amino acid metabolism and cellular defense mechanisms. Marinomonas, one of the most active genera in dark conditions, was absent from the light treatment. Numerous metabolic pathways and HC-degrading genes provided insights into bacterial community adaptation to oil spills. Key enzymes of the glyoxylate bypass, enriched in contaminant-containing treatments, were predominantly associated with Rhodobacterales and Alteromonadales. Several proteins related to outer membrane transport, photosynthesis, and nutrient metabolisms were characterized, allowing predictions of the various treatments on biogeochemical cycles. The study also presents novel perspectives for future oil spill clean-up processes.

Recent advances in hydrophobic nanocellulose aerogels for oil spill applications: A review

In a rapidly growing world, petroleum is used extensively in various industries, and the extraction, processing, and transportation of petroleum generates large amounts of petroleum-containing wastewater. Conventional oil/water separation methodologies are often ineffective and costly. Nanocellulose-based aerogels (NA) have emerged as a possible solution to this problem. However, hydrophobic modification is required for effective use in oil/water separation. This review on materials commonly used in these processes and outlines the requirements for adsorbent materials and methods for creating unique lipophilic surfaces. New trends in hydrophobization methods for NA are also discussed. Additionally, it includes the development of composite nanocellulose aerogels (CNAs) and cellulose based membrane specially developed for oil/water (o/w) separation considering different separation requirements. This analysis also examines how CNAs have evolved by introducing special properties that facilitate oil collection or make the adsorbent recyclable. We also discuss the difficulties in creating effective NAs for these important applications in a changing society, as well as the difficulties in creating oil recovery equipment for oil spill cleanup.