Spill Response Research Articles

Evaluation of surfactant-aided polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation by molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation in the marine environment

Marine oil spills directly cause polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution and affect marine organisms due to their toxic property. Chemical and bio-based dispersants composed of surfactants and solvents are considered effective oil spill-treating agents. Dispersants enhance oil biodegradation in the marine environment by rapidly increasing their solubility in the water column. However, the effect of dispersants, especially surfactants, on PAHs degradation by enzymes produced by microorganisms has not been studied at the molecular level. The role of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme in converting contaminants into reactive metabolites during the biodegradation process has been evidenced, but the activity in the presence of surfactants is still ambiguous. Thus, this study focused on the evaluation of the impact of chemical and bio-surfactants (i.e., Tween 80 (TWE) and Surfactin (SUC)) on the biodegradation of naphthalene (NAP), chrysene (CHR), and pyrene (PYR), the representative components of PAHs, with CYP enzyme from microalgae Parachlorella kessleri using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The molecular docking analysis revealed that PAHs bound to residues at the CYP active site through hydrophobic interactions for biodegradation. The MD simulation showed that the surfactant addition changed the enzyme conformation in the CYP-PAH complexes to provide more interactions between the enzyme and PAHs. This led to an increase in the enzyme's capability to degrade PAHs. Binding free energy (ΔG‌‌Bind) calculations confirmed that surfactant treatment could enhance PAHs degradation by the enzyme. The SUC gave a better result on NAP and PYR biodegradation based on ΔG‌‌Bind, while TWE facilitated the biodegradation of CHR. The research outputs could greatly facilitate evaluating the behaviors of oil spill-treating agents and oil spill response operations in the marine environment.

Modeling oil spill disasters using system dynamics: A case study on the MT Princess Empress oil spill in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

Oil spill events pose potentially irreversible threats to the environment and economy of affected communities, necessitating a comprehensive analysis of their dynamics. This study employs system dynamics (SD) modeling to enhance the current understanding of the complex dynamics associated with oil spill incidents, focusing on the case of the MT Princess Empress oil spill in the Philippines last February 2023. The research integrates quantitative and qualitative data to develop a dynamic simulation model that captures the interdependencies among key variables, such as spill characteristics, environmental factors, response measures, resource allocation, and socio-economic impacts. Model validation was performed by comparing the results of the simulation with historical data from the MT Princess Empress incident. Sensitivity analysis was then conducted to identify critical factors influencing the system's behavior. Among oil spill size, initial recovery resources, resource support delay, and cash assistance to affected individuals, oil spill size was determined to have the most significant effect on the oil spill system owing to the amplification of negative consequences via reinforcing feedback loops. The research findings thus underscore the effectiveness of preventive measures as the primary strategy for mitigating the consequences of oil spills. Sustainable recovery for communities affected by such incidents also necessitates a shift towards long-term rehabilitation initiatives and proactive community engagement rather than relying on short-term solutions.

Oil Spillage Monitoring in Nigeria and the Role of Remote Sensing - An Overview

Oil spillage poses a persistent challenge in Nigeria most especially in oil-rich Niger Delta region, necessitating effective monitoring and mitigation measures. This study provides an overview of oil spill monitoring in Nigeria, emphasizing the pivotal role of remote sensing technology. Leveraging data from the NOSDRA Oil Spill Monitoring website, spanning 2016 to 2020, variations in spill occurrences among oil companies are analyzed. In 2016, a total of 42,741.25 barrels were spilled across 689 incidents, with NPDC emerging as the top spillage contributor. Similarly, 2017 witnessed 35,076.62 barrels spilled across 604 incidents, with NPDC and SPDC maintaining dominance. The trend continued in 2018, with SPDC recording the highest volume of spills among the top six contributing companies. However, in 2019, spillage increased, led by SPDC, followed closely by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited and Aiteo. Conversely, 2020 saw a decrease in spillage, albeit SPDC retained its lead. These findings underscore the critical need for enhanced monitoring and regulatory enforcement to mitigate the environmental and socio-economic impacts of oil spills in Nigeria. However, proactive measures are needed to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve spill response capabilities, and promote transparency and accountability within the petroleum industry.

Hierarchical 0D CuO Wrapped by Petal-like 2D ZnO: A Strategic Approach of Superhydrophobic Melamine Sponge toward Wastewater Treatment.

In addressing the pressing environmental challenges posed by frequent oil spills, this work presents a novel approach of synthesizing a superhydrophobic three-dimensional (3D) porous melamine sponge (MS). CuO and ZnO nanoparticles were grown on the MS via a hydrothermal method to create MS/CuO/ZnO with multiscale hierarchical nanostructures. The resulting material exhibited a stable water contact angle of 155° through various tests. MS/CuO/ZnO demonstrated exceptional oil absorption capacities (40-145 g/g and 0.83-0.99 mL.cm-3), surpassing 98% efficiency in oil separation, and retained reusability for 10 cycles. Impressively, the sponge achieved successful separation of oil/water emulsions with a permeation flux of 14870 L m-2 h-1. The composite sponge, distinguished by its high photodegradation ability, can degrade both water- and oil-targeted pollutants under visible light irradiation from light-emitting diode (LED). With its remarkable attributes including superior oil absorption, excellent oil/water separation, mechanical resistance, and excellent photocatalytic ability, it exhibits considerable potential for applications in both wastewater treatment and large-scale marine oil spill response. The easily prepared MS/CuO/ZnO emerges as a versatile solution capable of addressing pressing challenges and marking a significant leap toward sustainable and impactful environmental remediation.

Influence of heavy Canadian crude oil on pristine freshwater boreal lake ecosystems in an experimental oil spill.

The overall impact of a crude oil spill into a pristine freshwater environment in Canada is largely unknown. To evaluate the impact on the native microbial community, a large-scale in situ model experimental spill was conducted to assess the potential role of the natural community to attenuate hydrocarbons. A small volume of conventional heavy crude oil (CHV) was introduced within contained mesocosm enclosures deployed on the shoreline of a freshwater lake. The oil was left to interact with the shoreline for 72h and then free-floating oil was recovered using common oil spill response methods (i.e. freshwater flushing and capture on oleophilic absorptive media). Residual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations returned to near preoiling concentrations within 2 months, while the microbial community composition across the water, soil, and sediment matrices of the enclosed oligotrophic freshwater ecosystems did not shift significantly over this period. Metagenomic analysis revealed key polycyclic aromatic and alkane degradation mechanisms also did not change in their relative abundance over the monitoring period. These trends suggest that for small spills (<2l of oil per 15 m2 of surface freshwater), physical oil recovery reduces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations to levels tolerated by the native microbial community. Additionally, the native microbial community present in the monitored pristine freshwater ecosystem possesses the appropriate hydrocarbon degradation mechanisms without prior challenge by hydrocarbon substrates. This study corroborated trends found previously (Kharey et al. 2024) toward freshwater hydrocarbon degradation in an environmentally relevant scale and conditions on the tolerance of residual hydrocarbons in situ.

White tides: The plastic nurdles problem

The proliferation of plastic pollution, particularly from nurdles (small plastic pellets used in manufacturing), poses significant environmental and ecological risks. Originating with the invention of Bakelite in 1907 and escalating post-World War II with advanced petrochemical technologies, nurdles are the second largest source of primary microplastic pollution globally. Each year an estimated 445,970 tonnes of nurdles enter the environment worldwide. Nurdle spills, such as those along Spain's Galician coast and other global incidents, underline the need for improved spill response, preventive measures, and international regulatory coordination. The environmental impact of nurdles, compared to more visible oil spills, is insidious and long-lasting due to their persistence and widespread dispersion. Current regulations, like the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) guidelines, reveal gaps in enforcement and fail to fully address the long-term consequences of spills. Recent technological innovations and policy interventions aim to mitigate risks, but there's an urgent need for coordinated global action, stricter controls, and investment in biodegradable alternatives to safeguard marine environments and ensure ecological sustainability.

Emergency Preparedness for Guests with Mobility Impairments and Frequency of Visits in Five-Star Hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was therefore to establish the influence of emergency preparedness on the frequency of visits to five-star hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific goals of this research were: to record the types of hazards encountered by five-star hotels in Nairobi City County; to identify the areas of those hotels where emergencies occur; to learn about the barriers to emergency response services for guests with mobility impairments in those hotels; and to identify the factors in emergency response systems that significantly influence visit by guests with mobility impairments. The study was informed by two theories; the theory of time constraints on leisure activities and the theory of social oppression. Ten five-star hotels in Nairobi County served as the sample for this census-style investigation. The sample size was determined by a systematic sampling procedure. The data was gathered through the use of semi-structured questionnaires that were administered by the researcher. Data was coded and analyzed in SPSS using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Relationships between the independent variable and the dependent variables were determined using multiple regressions. Tables, charts, and bars were used to show the study's findings. The findings showed that the majority of the five-star hotels had not frequently encountered several types of emergencies. The study found that employee training for emergency preparedness was positively and significantly related to the frequency of visits by guests with mobility impairments to five-star hotels in Nairobi City County, Kenya at (β=0.595, p˂.001). The study concludes that while most sections of these five-star hotels, like kitchens and swimming pools, are perceived as safe zones with minimal emergencies, the parking area emerges as a potential concern. The hotels' commitment to staff training in emergency preparedness is evident, especially in hazard identification and spill response. The study thus recommends that the management of five-star hotels in Nairobi City County should conduct thorough risk assessments, considering both high and low-frequency hazards. Emergency protocols should also be in place not only for situations like terrorist threats but also for seemingly less immediate threats like floods and utility failures. Keywords: Emergency preparedness, Risk assessment, Five-Star Hotels, Mobility impairments, Nairobi City County

A multi-criteria simulation-optimization coupling approach for effective emergency response in marine oil spill accidents

Effective marine oil spill responses are vital to reduce environmental, societal, and economic damage. This study developed a Multi-Criteria Emergency Response System (MC-ERS) to comprehensively evaluate response efficiency, operational costs, and environmental losses. The proposed system integrates dynamic multiphase simulation of oil weathering and oil cleanup processes and further provides effective planning for multi-stage resource allocation through system optimization. The developed weight-sum model improved the performance of response operations by reducing the complexity of multi-criteria decision-making. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) was chosen as the foundational optimization algorithm due to its efficiency in rapid convergence and suitability for complex problems. From extensive comparisons of PSO variants across benchmark functions and inertia strategies, the C-PSO algorithm was developed, demonstrating enhanced optimization performance for MC-ERS. The developed modelling system performance was demonstrated and evaluated through a representative case study. The optimization plan coordinated resource allocation from onshore warehouses to harbors and spill sites, balancing oil recovery efficiency, costs, and ecological losses. Optimized results indicate an oil recovery of up to 76.50% in five days. Additionally, the system cuts costs by 3.45% and environmental losses by 15.75%. The findings enhance the efficiency of marine oil spill emergency response and provide support for such incidents.

A Novel Biosurfactant-Based Oil Spill Response Dispersant for Efficient Application under Temperate and Arctic Conditions.

Synthetic oil spill dispersants have become essential in offshore oil spill response strategies. However, their use raises significant concerns regarding toxicity to phyto- and zooplankton and other marine organisms, especially in isolated and vulnerable areas such as the Arctic and shorelines. Sustainable alternatives may be developed by replacing the major active components of commercial dispersants with their natural counterparts. During this study, interfacial properties of different types of glycolipid-based biosurfactants (rhamnolipids, mannosylerythritol lipids, and trehalose lipids) were explored in a crude oil-seawater system. The best-performing biosurfactant was further mixed with different nontoxic components of Corexit 9500A, and the interfacial properties of the most promising dispersant blend were further explored with various types of crude oils, weathered oil, bunker, and diesel fuel in natural seawater. Our findings indicate that the most efficient dispersant formulation was achieved when mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) were mixed with Tween 80 (T). The MELs-T dispersant blend significantly reduced the interfacial tension (IFT) of various crude oils in seawater with results comparable to those obtained with Corexit 9500A. Importantly, no leaching or desorption of MELs-T components from the crude oil-water interface was observed. Furthermore, for weathered and more viscous asphaltenic bunker fuel oil, IFT results with the MELs-T dispersant blend surpassed those obtained with Corexit 9500A. This dispersant blend also demonstrated effectiveness at different dosages (dispersant-to-oil ratio (DOR)) and under various temperature conditions. The efficacy of the MELs-T dispersant was further confirmed by standard baffled flask tests (BFTs) and Mackay-Nadeau-Steelman (MNS) tests. Overall, our study provides promising data for the development of effective biobased dispersants, particularly in the context of petroleum exploitation in subsea resources and transportation in the Arctic.

Methodology for zoning the Northern Sea Route water area during salvage and rescue operations and oil spill response

A methodology for assessing the possibility of ensuring salvage and rescue operations and oil and oil product spills response throughout the entire water area of the Northern Sea Route has been proposed. From 2024, it is planned to systematically develop year-round navigation along the Northern Sea Route, which will be associated with the need to ensure safety. At the moment, this possibility is severely limited due to the lack of multifunctional vessels of high ice class and technical means for spills response in ices. The methodological basis for determining the response time to marine oil spills in the Polar waters is laid down in the Polar Code, documents of the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization and documents of the Arctic Council, but their application is determined only by the hydrometeorological and geographical conditions at the place of the accident liquidation. Despite their broad and practical focus, the proposed approaches are only of a general methodological nature, which does not take into account the peculiarities of navigation in the waters of the Northern Sea Route, its length and zoning. The developed methodology largely overcomes these limitations and allows, at a qualitative level, to zone the waters of the Northern Sea Route according to three classification criteria. Two model examples are provided in the paper. The first example assumes that shipping occurs only in the western part of the Northern Sea Route, i. e. in the Kara Sea, the Ob Bay and the Yenisei Gulf, and in the eastern sector, shipping is completely absent; the second example assumes that navigation occurs throughout the entire water area. For each option under study, the entire water area is zoned according to the level of readiness, which is assessed as “high”, “medium” and “low” and depends on the presence of icebreakers and multifunctional vessels in the area. In the future, this methodology can be supplemented by an assessment of other factors, such as the influence of hydrometeorological conditions, ice conditions, navigation risks, forecasting the intensity of shipping and the selection of the necessary technical means for oil and petroleum product spills response.

Ship Route Oil Spill Modeling: A Case Study of the Northeast Brazil Event, 2019

In this study, we investigate the circulation and chemical processes associated with the deposition of the largest oil spill that reached the northeast coast of Brazil during the second half of 2019. Using the Oil Spill Contingency And Response model (OSCAR), we performed both deterministic and probabilistic simulations of oil spills from tanker ships that were present in the sea in the region at the time. The study used a dataset comprising the latitudinal distribution of oil sightings along the coast between 31 August and 2 December 2019 (box plot analysis) provided by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). The total amount of oil that reached the coast during this period (approximately 5000 tons) and the date and location of the first sighting (30 August, in the southern part of the state of Paraíba (PB)) were also used as parameters to assess the results of the 31 simulations conducted for ships en route near the area of interest between July and August 2019. The results indicate that a leak having occurred through a mobile source is the most plausible hypothesis for explaining the observed temporal–spatial arrival of the oil leaks along the Brazilian coastline. We suggest that prevention, monitoring, and international cooperation are essential for reducing the risks of future environmental accidents of the kind analyzed in this study and to protect the environment and communities affected.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Marine Life Pollution Using Machine Learning Techniques on historical shipping Pollutants data

Oil spills significantly threaten marine and coastal ecosystems, resulting in devastating ecological and economic consequences. The current research highlights the key aspects surrounding oil spills, including their causes, environmental impacts, and mitigation strategies. Oil spills, resulting from accidents during offshore drilling, transportation, or natural seepage, pose severe ecological and societal challenges. These incidents release vast quantities of oil into marine ecosystems, leading to widespread environmental degradation. The impact of oil spills is influenced by factors such as spill volume, oil type, environmental conditions, and response effectiveness. Ecologically, oil spills harm marine life through toxic effects, habitat destruction, and interference with reproductive cycles. Birds, marine mammals, fish, and shoreline organisms suffer from oil exposure, leading to long-term population declines. The economic consequences are significant, affecting fishers, tourism, and coastal industries. The clean-up process involves mechanical removal, chemical dispersants, and controlled burns, each with its environmental trade-offs. Oil spill assessment methods encompass satellite monitoring, modeling, and ecological surveys to estimate damages and aid restoration efforts. Prevention measures include stricter regulations, technological advancements, and industry best practices. Public awareness and international cooperation are vital for enhancing spill preparedness and response. In the paper, oil spills continue to challenge environmental sustainability and economic stability. Addressing their multifaceted impacts demands an integrated approach involving mitigation, rigorous assessment, and global collaboration to prevent future disasters and safeguard our oceans and coastlines. An expansive dataset gathered from Queensland, Australia, incorporating intricate information about ships, regions, longitudes, latitudes, and pollutants, the study markedly advances the capability to identify oceanic oil spills and enhances our understanding of the resulting impact on marine life. In that, algorithms are used of machine learning techniques such as SVC and LogisticRegression. In the course of the study, machine learning techniques are applied, featuring algorithms like Support Vector Classification (SVC) and Logistic Regression. These algorithms play a crucial role in the analysis, contributing to the extraction of valuable insights from the dataset. Keywords: Bilge, Diesel, Hydraulic Oil, Types of Ship, Machine learning algorithms

Geospatial Analysis of Artisanal Refineries Distribution Pattern in the Central Niger Delta, Nigeria

The study examined the geospatial analysis of geospatial analysis of artisanal refineries distribution pattern in the Central Niger Delta, Nigeria. The study made use of locational data obtained as secondary data from National Oil Spill Monitor and National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency. Geographic analyses such as nearest neighbour analysis, directional distribution (Standard deviation ellipse), and Mean Center were carried out. Descriptive statistics involving spatial extent, frequency and percentage were employed for the data analysis. The results showed that that a total of 1476 artisanal sites were discovered in the Central Niger Delta. Of this total 55.35% (817) were found in Bayelsa State, 5.49% (81) were found in Delta State and 39.16% (578) were found in Rivers State. The nearest neighbour analysis showed that the distribution pattern of artisanal refineries was significantly clustered in Bayelsa State (Z= 47.5252, p=0.000); Delta State (Z= -10.129, p=0.0000); Rivers State (Z= -35.13333, p=0.0000) and the entire Central Niger Delta (Z= -59.8222, p=0.0000). The mean center of the distribution of artisanal refineries in Bayelsa State was found in Southern Ijaw LGA, Delta State in Uvwie LGA, Rivers State is found in Ikwerre LGA, and the entire Central Niger Delta was found in Ogbia LGA. The directional distribution standard deviation ellipse covered 58.49% in Bayelsa State, 35.06% in Rivers State and 6.35% of dispersion in Delta State. The study can be concluded that the spatial distribution pattern of artisanal refineries in the entire Central Niger Delta was clustered in nature and Bayelsa and Rivers States were more affected. It is recommended to among others that more studies should be done on the proliferation of artisanal refineries in the study area and entire Niger Delta so that the environmental effects resulting from artisanal refinery activities are reduced to the barest minimum.

Mapping the vulnerability of coastal areas of the Eastern region of Morocco (ERM) to oil spills risk

The objective of this study is to generate maps of coastal areas based on the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) to assess oil spills risk. These maps have become a crucial tool for operational responders. ESI is a tool developed to evaluate the sensitivity of coastal environments and provides a method to assess the impact of oil spills systematically IPIECA. IMO. IOGP, (Juillet 2012). The establishment of the future Nador West Med oil transshipment port is expected to make maritime transport of hydrocarbons a significant source of pollution along the Eastern Region of Morocco (ERM), given the substantial traffic in these products. Through satellite imagery, it has been possible to observe and recognize the different geomorphological formations along the coast. In order to map these sites based on ESI index and describe their characteristics, it is essential to utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) and multi-criteria analysis methods to manage all relevant information. The produced maps provide valuable support to stakeholders in coastal management of oil spills response. Furthermore, ESI is used for coastal area management and preservation, particularly in identifying ecologically valuable regions. There are plans to implement a real-time alarm system to visualize coastal areas sensitivity in terms of the ESI index, guiding pollution control in the coastal areas.

Numerical model of floating oil on seawater, in situ thermal structure, thickness, and remote sensing

Thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing provides oil slick remote sensing for oil spill response. Herein, we derive oil thickness, h, from thermal contrast, ΔT, using a numerical, three-media heat-transfer model that solved the convection–diffusion equation, verified against laboratory measurements of high spatial-resolution thermal profiles for a heavy Texas Raw Crude and a light Colorado Crude, τ = 2.0 and 0.25 mm, respectively. τ is the oil attenuation length and ΔT is the temperature difference between the oil slick and adjacent oil-free water.The model studied processes and factors underlying ΔT, that arise from differing insolation absorption and the resultant heat flows and radiative emissions. The model found that the thermal profile decreased linearly through optically thin oil with and without illumination and through thick oil without illumination. For illuminated, optically-thick, oil under illumination, an internal temperature peak (greater than the air and water temperature) develops in the oil. Insolation absorption was confirmed to drive this temperature peak and thus depends on the oil τ. The model reproduced an expected asymptotic relationship of ΔT to h in the thick h limit and scales with τ. Sensitivity studies found ΔT linearly sensitive to insolation. In contrast, the air–water temperature gradient is insensitive to h for large τ and is strongly and non-linearly dependent on h for small τ,This sensitivity underlies the critical role of τ in TIR oil slick remote sensing.The model provides an investigative oil spill tool that extends existing measurements to different ambient conditions, scene illumination, and crude oils.

EOS - Environment & Oil Spill Response. An analytic tool for environmental assessments to support oil spill response planning: Framework, principles, and proof-of-concept by an Arctic example

The Environment & Oil Spill Response tool (EOS), supports oil spill response planning and decision making. This tool is developed on a research basis, and is an index based, generic and open-source analytic tool, which environmentally can optimise the choice of oil spill response methods for a given spill situation and for a given sea area with respect to environment and nature. The tool is not linked to a particular oil spill simulation model, although it is recommended using oil spill simulation models to have detailed data available for the analysis. The EOS tool consists of an Excel workbook with formulas for calculations and scores followed by screening through decision trees. As case for the EOS tool proof-of-concept, the area of Store Hellefiskebanke, West Greenland, is used. The tool can be downloaded from the Aarhus University home page as a free-of-charge application and is accompanied by a handbook for guidance.

The role of surface and structural properties on the adsorptive behavior of vinyl-methyl decorated silica aerogel-like hybrids for oil/organic solvent clean-up practices

The uncontrolled release of oil and organic solvents into aquatic environment is becoming a growing concern for ecosystems. This underscores the need for the improvement and development of efficient functional sorbents.The primary objective of this work was to design vinyl/methyl-decorated silica aerogel-like hybrids as novel adsorbents for oil and organic solvents and to uncover the relationship between the physicochemical and microstructural changes induced by organic substitution in silica backbone and the adsorption performance of these hybrids. The silica hybrids were prepared in two series through co-condensation of vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) and methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) or tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). Gradual vinyl substitution was used to monitor the changes in the physicochemical and morphological properties. These changes were investigated using a variety of complementary characterizations techniques such as 29Si-MAS-NMR, and small angle neutron/X-ray scattering (SANS and SAXS) analyses, and basic characterization techniques like FTIR, SEM, N2 porosimetry and contact angle measurements. The results confirmed significant structural changes in VT series as VTMS content increased, while it had only a limited effect on the network formation in VM series. In the VT series, the samples exhibited predominantly mesoporous characteristics, resulting in large specific surface areas (792–1021 m2/g). In the VM-series, the samples were mostly macroporous and appeared in a sponge-like monolithic form. Successful vinyl/methyl substitution led to good hydrophobicity (up to 147°) in each series and contributed to an excellent self-cleaning ability. Thanks to their lightweight structure and hydrophobicity, the samples VT-100 and VM-50 exhibited the highest adsorption capacities (up to 11.63 g/g for VM-50 and 10.92 g/g for VT-100) for most organic pollutants and demonstrated stable performance along 10 cycles. The free-standing monolithic structure, well-developed porous network, high hydrophobicity, easy-to-clean property, and superior adsorption performance establish these materials as prime candidates for oil spill remediation practices. Additionally, their potential applications extend to various sectors, including the textile industry for protective clothing, transportation for oil spill response equipment on ships and aircraft, marine and coastal protection to prevent contamination, as green building materials to reduce maintenance needs and enhance energy efficiency, and as protective materials for cultural heritage buildings.

Environmental effects from petroleum product transportation spillage in Nigeria: a critical review.

Nigeria has struggled to meet sustainable development goals (SDGs) on environmental sustainability, transportation, and petroleum product distribution for decades, endangering human and ecological health. Petroleum product spills contaminate soil, water, and air, harming humans, aquatic life, and biodiversity. The oil and gas industry contributes to environmental sustainability and scientific and technological advancement through its supply chain activities in the transport and logistics sectors. This paper reviewed the effects of petroleum product transportation at three accident hotspots on Nigeria highway, where traffic and accident records are alarming due to the road axis connecting the southern and northern regions of the country. The preliminary data was statistically analysed to optimise the review process and reduce risk factors through ongoing data monitoring. Studies on Nigeria's petroleum product transportation spills and environmental impacts between the years 2013 and 2023 were critically analysed to generate updated information. The searches include Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Five hundred and forty peer-reviewed studies were analysed, and recommendations were established through the conclusions. The findings show that petroleum product transport causes heavy metal deposition in the environment as heavy metals damage aquatic life and build up in the food chain, posing a health risk to humans. The study revealed that petroleum product spills have far-reaching environmental repercussions and, therefore, recommended that petroleum product spills must be mitigated immediately. Furthermore, the study revealed that better spill response and stricter legislation are needed to reduce spills, while remediation is necessary to lessen the effects of spills on environmental and human health.

Colorimetric pH-sensing core/shell beads designed for strong acid/base spill responses

Conventional pH sensors encounter obstacles when utilized in response to spill accidents involving highly acidic and basic chemicals, since the concentration of chemicals released in the accidents usually exceeds the detection limit of most pH sensors. Practical tools available for the chemical accidents are limited to pH papers and pH-indicating dyes; however, they also suffer from drawbacks such as difficulties in retrieval and removal, leading to secondary environmental contamination. In this study, colorimetric pH-sensing beads (CpH beads) with a core/shell structure were developed to have essential characteristics required for responding to chemical accidents. Magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles dispersed in the core allow the CpH bead to be readily recoverable from acidic or basic solutions using a magnet. The shell, which consists of an alginate-based composite with thymol blue-incorporated porous aluminum hydroxide, rapidly indicates the acidity or basicity of the solution by changing color. The response time for color change of the CpH bead decreases as the concentration of the acidic or basic solution increases. The color of CpH indicative of acidity or basicity changes within 5–60 s in 5 M solutions, and within 20–300 s in 0.5 M solutions. Moreover, the CpH bead has a leaching rate of dye approximately 33.5 times slower than the pH paper, and its easy retrieval via a magnet allows for six reuses, minimizing secondary environmental contamination. Therefore, the CpH bead demonstrates a significant potential for effectively responding to leakage accidents involving strong acids and bases in the field.

Optimum site selection for oil spill response center in the Marmara Sea using the AHP-TOPSIS method

Optimum site selection for oil spill response center in the Marmara Sea using the AHP-TOPSIS method