For experiments concerning the formation of oil-suspended particulate matter (SPM) aggregates (OSA), oil and sediment samples were collected from Campos Basin and six stations of Paraguaçu estuary, Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil, respectively. The sediments samples were analyzed for organic matter determined by the EMBRAPA method, nitrogen determined by the Kjeldahl method, and phosphorus determined by the method described by Aspila. The oil trapped in OSA was extracted following the method described by Moreira. The experiment showed a relationship between the amount of organic matter and OSA formation and consequently the dispersion of the studied oil. On the basis of the buoyancy of OSA and the ecotoxicological effects on pelagic and benthic community, the priority areas for application of remediation techniques are Cachoeira, Maragogipe, and Salinas da Margarida because of the large amount of oil that accumulated at the bottom of the experiment flask (5.85%, 27.95%, and 38,98%; 4.2%, 17.66%, and 32.64%; and 11.82%, 8.07%, and 10.91% respectively).

ResumoOs principais impactos ambientais causados por atividades petrolíferas são decorrentes de atividades de exploração, transporte e refino. Após o acidente do Golfo do México em 2010, aumentou a preocupação ambiental global em desenvolvimento de métodos e materiais que tenham capacidade de remover, recuperar e degradar o petróleo. O presente estudo objetivou aproveitar o resíduo de coco (Cocos nucifera L.) como sorvente em derramamento de óleo no ambiente marinho. Os resultados evidenciaram que, além da boa capacidade de sorção de óleo com grande presença de n-alcanos, o uso das fibras de coco sem tratamento térmico é melhor, enquanto a fibra de coco com tratamento térmico é mais adequada para óleo com grande presença de resinas e asfaltenos.Palavras-chave: Derramamento de óleo, hidrocarbonetos, remediação, resíduo natural. Fibers of Cocos nucifera as sorbent of petroleum in marine environment AbstractThe main environmental impacts caused by oil activities are derived from exploration, transportation and refining activities. Following the Gulf of Mexico accident in 2010, increased global environmental concern in developing methods and materials that have the ability to remove, recover and degrade oil. The present study aimed to take advantage of the coconut residue (Cocos nucifera L.) as sorbent in oil spill in the marine environment. The results showed that, in addition to the good sorption capacity of oil with a high presence of n-alkanes, the use of coconut fiber without heat treatment is better, whereas coconut fiber with heat treatment is more suitable for oil with high presence of resins and asphaltenes.