Dodecanoyl chloride modified starch particles: A candidate for the removal of hydrocarbons and heavy metals in wastewater

•Starch is a good candidate for use as a biocoagulant.•Modified starches with fatty acid chlorides are suitable for heavy metal removal due to their negative charge.•Good hydrocarbon removal efficiencies were obtained using dodecanoyl chloride modified starch.•Substance-modifieded starches approved by the FDA are safe for living things.•The sludge generated by biocoagulation does not harm the environment.