Abstract

Crude oil released to the marine environment through accidental spillage or drainage from land causes serious damage to the environment and marine life. Treatment of oil spills remains a challenge to environmental scientists and technologists. Sorption is a popular technique applied for treatment of oil spillage. In this paper, the potential of raw law value cotton fibers, to remove used oil was investigated also an attempt was made to provide an efficient, easily deployable method of cleaning up oil spills and recovering of the oil. It is important to provide a safe system for oil removal and recovery. The results presented and discussed in this work pointed out that the loose low grade cotton fibers and the pad have an excellent commercial potential as a sorbent for oil.

Key words: Used oil, sorption capacity, sorbent, low grade cotton fibers pad.