Among the existing techniques for the removal of oil from water, the use of sorbents is generally considered to be one of the most efficient. Hydrophobicity (oleophilicity) is one of the major determinants of sorbents’ properties influencing the effectiveness of oil sorption in the presence of water. In order to improve these properties, the surface of the sorbent is modified using chemical or physical treatment methods. The purpose of this study is to analyse sorbent modification methods in order to increase their hydrophobic-oleophilic characteristics for the clean-up of oil spills taking into account environmental aspects. In this research a natural organic sorbent – moss – was treated with hot water (80 °C and 100 °C), mercerized, coated with oil and oil in water emulsions with concentrations at 10% and 50%. The test of water sorption capacity was performed to compare the hydrophobic properties of modified sorbents. The results of this research demonstrate the potential of natural organic sorbents in oil spill abatement. Hot water and alkali treatments can alter the surface characteristics of plant fibers and improve absorption capacity. Sorbent coating with plant triglycerides in low concentrations of oil can be applied in order to use the modified sorbent in areas where oil is spilled into the water in small amounts due to increased water resistance and lower product absorption properties. Treating water in 80 °C can be chosen for economic purposes. Sorbents treated this way could be used to clean oil spillages not from the water surfaces, but from soil and other solid surfaces.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3846/aainz.2018.005