A review on sorbent devices for oil-spill control. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bhardwaj, Neha; Bhaskarwar, Ashok N.
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 243(2018)Part B
• Page Start: 1758
• Page End: 1771
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Oil-sorbent devices -- Oil-sorption capacity -- Superhydrophobic magnetic material -- Sorbent disposal; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.09.141
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Multiple research areas have emerged in view of the deleterious impacts of oil-spills on the environment and the relative intractability of the problem per se. The dimensions mostly explored thus far, relate to the prediction of the fate of oil-spill and development of effective counter-measures. Among the counter measures, development of effective sorbents for oil-spill remediation has sustained interest for quite long, in spite of the numerous challenges associated with it. Most importantly, the sorbent materials need to be assembled in such a structure or form that they can survive the oceanic currents and other prevailing environmental conditions without themselves becoming a source of secondary pollution. This review paper focuses on the chronological development of such assemblies or devices over the past century and a critical appraisal of the same. Relevant major factors affecting the performance of sorbent assemblies can be identified as: structural features and modes of sorption, effect of weathering on oil-sorption capacity, mode of distribution and harvesting of such absorbent units, and the final disposal after feasible cycles of sorption and release. This review paper incorporates a detailed discussion on the major inventions and the extant open literature in this field. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A critical review of sorbent devices for marine oil-spill control, with emphasis on components, design, and efficiency. Recent advances in retrieval methods, reusability aspect, and the ultimate disposal of saturated sorbents. Development, testing, and applicability of existing, and new multifunctional magnetic oil sorbent materials. The review paper offers perspective, scope, and probable directions for future research in the field of oil-spill control. Abstract : Various facets of the development of effective oil-spill control devices in view of limitations imposed by the nature of spill, logistical challenges, and the likely impact on our ecosystem are examined.