Oil spill on the ocean and coastal waters has adverse impact on marine life and other related ecosystems. Oil-herding is one of the most promising methods of managing such large-scale oil-spills. In this herding process, a liquid solution of an amphiphile is added to the oil-slick, which confines the oil to a small pile. This oil pile can be further burnt leaving behind an oil-free surface. Currently used silicone based oil herding agents are non-degradable and have toxic impact on the surrounding environment. Therefore, it is eminent to develop new dispersants and formulations of biocompatible amphiphiles with improved oil-herding properties and minimum environmental impact. Lignin is one such naturally derived biopolymer where its microbial decomposition in the environment transforms it into non-toxic low-molecular weight sub units. Here, we will introduce lignin dispersions as a new eco-friendly alternative for oil-spill remediation. The adsorption of lignin on oil-water interface and its oil-herding efficiency will be presented as a function of lignin concentration and dispersion salinity. The effect of increasing lignin concentration on oil-water interfacial-tension and interfacial-rheology will be presented within the context of structuring and self-assembly of the lignin molecules at the interface. We will also present the kinetics of the lignin induced oil-herding process and the impact of lignin amount on the long-term oil-pile stability. The fundamental principles presented here will lay a foundation for fabricating next generation of eco-friendly oil-herders using lignin materials and other biocompatible amphiphiles.<br/>

Finding new eco-friendly dispersants for oil-spill remediation: Lignin based solutions for oil-herding

255th National Meeting (2018)

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