Biodegradation Study on Nonwoven Cotton Oil Sorbents

Numerous studies have shown that sorbents are one of the most economical and efficient means for oil spill cleanup on both land and sea. Environmental qualities such as biodegradability and biocompatibility of sorbents are key aspects in comparing over all efficacies of sorbents to be used as environmentally sustainable remedial measure. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the biodegradability of natural and synthetic nonwoven oil sorbents in the laboratory that resemble composting conditions. Biodegradation studies on nonwoven cotton oil sorbents have been evaluated. Biodegradation test for this study was performed under ASTM 5388-98 (Standard Test Method for Determination of Aerobic Biodegradation in Soil of Plastic Materials under Controlled Composting Conditions. The carbon dioxide production was monitored and integrated to determine the biodegradation rate by slightly modified ASTM D 5388-98 method in natural soil. The weight losses and the fabric morphology after biodegradation were used to compare the biodegradability of natural and synthetic sorbents.