Application of different vegetable fibers as natural sorbents and their use in water decontamination from crude oil

Abstract

The petroleum sorption capacities of plant fibers from Eucalyptus sp., Bambusa tuldoides, and sugarcane bagasse fibers were investigated as innovative and low-cost alternatives from renewable sources. Characterization of the fibers was performed according to their morphological aspects and physicochemical characteristics. The oil used was classified according to its American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity, viscosity, and density. Sorption tests performed with crude oil mixed with deionized water in a static or agitated system revealed maximum sorption capacities of the fibers in the range of 5.08–5.87 g g−1. The biosorbent based on eucalyptus fibers is a promising material for the cleaning of oil spills in water bodies as it is the most hydrophobic material. Sugarcane bagasse and bamboo gave good results for oil sorption applications in the absence of water, validating their use as well.