An Evaluation of the Adsorptive Properties of Coconut Husk for Oil Spill Cleanup

Augustine Ifelebuegu, Zenebu Momoh

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceedingpeer-review

Abstract

The removal of vegetable oil and diesel fuel from seawater using waste coconut coir was investigated by batch adsorption experiments at varying sorbent doses and temperatures. Maximum adsorption capacities of 7231 and 6530 mg/g were achieved for the adsorption of vegetable oil and diesel fuel, respectively. The water adsorbency was relatively high at 6540 mg/g which is a limitation in its potential field application for oil spill cleanup. The maximum adsorption capacities improved significantly by up to 22% with a corresponding reduction in water adsorbency when coconut husk was impregnated with human hair. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo second order kinetic model and fitted to the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model. The sorption capacity was found to decrease with increasing temperatures. This work demonstrated that with adequate modifications to improve its hydrophobicity, coconut coir can potentially provide a low cost environmentally friendly adsorbent for oil spill cleanup.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the International Conference on Advances in Applied science and Environmental Technology - ASET 2015
Subtitle of host publicationASET 2015
PublisherInstitute of Research Engineers and Doctors
Pages33-37
Number of pages5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 22 Feb 2015
EventInternational Conference on Advances in Applied Science and Environmental Technology - Bangkok, Thailand
Duration: 21 Feb 201522 Feb 2015

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Advances in Applied Science and Environmental Technology
Abbreviated titleASET 2015
Country/TerritoryThailand
CityBangkok
Period21/02/1522/02/15

Keywords

  • coconut coir
  • oil spill
  • Adsorption capacity

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