Utilization of Kapok (Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn.) fibers as sorbent for diesel oil spill and its ex situ bioremediation
2012
de Jesus-Abejero, A.L.
Marine oil spill is inevitable due to industrialization and urbanization that led to increased shipping activities. The effects of oil spill on the ecosystem and human lives are unprecedented. Early response and containment of the oil spill is the best approach in reducing the environmental impacts. Kapok (Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn.) fibers packed in Nylon net were found to be good diesel oil sorbent. Oil adsorption is through capillary action with an oil sorption capacity of 15.5g/g fibers. Kapok sorbent offers easy retrieval and handling. Adsorbed oil in the fiber can be recovered by squeezing. The use of sorbents for oil spill clean-up is relatively acceptable but the treatment for disposal is another concern. Bioremediation done ex situ is a technique that can be employed to degrade the contaminant. A consortium of Bacillus megaterium. Corynebacterium flavescens, Micrococcus luteus and Pseudomonas pautida with nutrient amendment (0.15g N and 0.03g P per gram oil) was used. Microbial population was sustained for six weeks and all species contributed in the degradation. Biosurfactant production was observed in the seawater media. Degradation products of adsorbed oil in Kapok fiber was detected by gas chromatography after one week of treatment.
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