Disclaimer: The above image is for representation of the below incident and need not be considered as an actual case image.
Oil when accidentally spilled overboard from a ship, has to be cleaned either with skimmers or douche with Oil spill dispersants when the local and port state administrations permit.
The effectiveness of oil clean up has always been a question and wind/swell/wave would aggravate the spread further.
It was always a challenge to contain and clean any oil spill at sea.
Here is an interesting technology where an oil spill over sea water can be easily solidified and then cleaned-up. Based on the video and animation, the technology and the demonstration proves to be a fantastic option, where it also gives a strong impression that it could speed up the spill clean up exponentially.
Researchers from Singapore’s Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology of A*STAR have developed an oil-scavenging material or supergelator that could help clean up oil spills. The researchers, led by Dr Huaqiang Zeng, developed new compounds that dissolve easily in environmentally friendly solvents and gel rapidly upon contact with oil. The supergelator molecules arrange themselves into a 3D network, entangling the oil molecules into clumps that can then be easily skimmed off the water’s surface.
The supergelators have been tested on various types of weathered and unweathered crude oil in seawater, and have been found to be effective in solidifying them within minutes at room temperature. In addition, tests carried out by the research team showed that the supergelator was not toxic to human cells, as well as zebrafish embryos and larvae. The researchers believe that these qualities would make the supergelators suitable for use after large oil spills.
Disclaimer: This video is intended for informational purpose only. This may not be construed as a news item or advice of any sort. Please consult the experts in that field for the authenticity of the presentations.
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Source: Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
