Effect of Crude Oil Sorption Capacity on Raw and Modified Coir Fibre

A critical need for a more sustainable approach to oil spill cleanup in Nigeria, especially the Niger Delta, was highlighted by the environmental and economic devastation documented in the 2011 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) assessment of Ogoni land. Existing cleanup methods relying on synthetic sorbents proved expensive, logistically challenging, and harmful to the environment due to their non-biodegradable nature. This research investigated the potential of natural coir fibbers, a readily available and low-cost resource in Nigeria, as an alternative. The inherent advantages of coir, such as low-density, appropriate stiffness, disposability, and renewability, make it a promising candidate. The research explored modifying coir fibbers through acetylation to improve their oil absorption and reusability. Sorption experiments and oil recovery assessments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the modified coir sorbent. Additionally, FT-IR, XRD, and TGA analyses were employed to understand the material properties and the impact of the treatment. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the potential of utilizing natural coir fibbers as a sustainable solution for oil spill cleanup in Nigeria.