The properties of emulsions, prepared from VeruSOL�-Marine-200 (novel, nonionic, plant-based surfactant) with H2O2 in synthetic seawater and Louisiana reference crude oil, were evaluated to provide a basis for work relating to coupled dispersion (oil-dispersant emulsion formation, dispersant design) and advanced oxidation (sunlight-mediated) processes to destroy crude oil. The chemical compositions including VOCs, pesticides, PCBs, and metals content, and various physical properties of pure VeruSOL�-Marine-200 were analyzed before its application as dispersant. Excellent emulsification of crude oil was obtained at a VeruSOL�-Marine-200 CMC of 3.1 g/L. Addition of crude oil to dispersant mixtures resulted to swelling of surfactant micelles. Visible and UV light irradiation of emulsions caused significant reduction of oil micelle size, stability, pH, and TPH (DRO+GRO) concentrations. These unique changes in emulsion properties suggested photodegradation of crude oil, which was enhanced by increasing the surfactant and H2O2 concentrations. Interestingly, results of NMR, FTIR, DART-MS, fluorescence, and pH measurements showed photostability of surfactant in emulsions.

Laboratory-scale application of VeruSOL<sup>®</sup>-Marine-200 dispersant to Louisiana crude oil: Emulsion properties and effects of visible and UV light

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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Laboratory-scale application of VeruSOL®-Marine-200 dispersant to Louisiana crude oil: Emulsion properties and effects of visible and UV light

Laboratory-scale application of VeruSOL^®-Marine-200 dispersant to Louisiana crude oil: Emulsion properties and effects of visible and UV light