The Possibilities Of Using Low-Cost Fibrous Natural Materials As Sorbents For Removing Aliphatic Hydrocarbons (C-6-C-15)From An Aqueous Solution

Sorption of oil-related products (including mainly the propellants) is the basic process that counteracts spreading these types of pollution into the environment. Plenty of synthetic substances (including multi-component petroleum products) must be removed both from the fresh and groundwater. The aim of this study was to compare the possibilities of using natural fibrous materials (also weed or waste materials): broadleaf cattail (Typha latifolia L.) seeds, peat and coconut fiber as sorbents of aliphatic hydrocarbons from an aqueous solution. In order to increase sorptive capacity, tested materials were mercerized in hot (80 degrees C) NaOH for sorption properties improvement. The removal of aliphatic hydrocarbons (C-6-C-15) dissolved/emulsified in water was carried out by the "batch method". Conducted experiments have shown a low sorption level of the analyzed pollutants by Typha wool-seeds and medium level for coconut fiber. The best sorption behavior of hydrocarbons from water solution appeared for commercial peat sorbent which has been used as a control sample and the weakest for broadleaf seeds. On the other hand, the total sorption capacity of free hydrocarbons was obtained for coconut fiber and was almost 2 times lower than in the case of peat, but the best capacity was noted for broadleaf cattail seeds. Used natural fibrous materials appeared as sorbents with low (Typha) and average (coconut) effective sorbents, but (except for peat) environmentally friendly and economic for hydrocarbons dissolved or suspended in water sorption.