Absorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by a highly absorptive polymeric medium

The utilization of hydrophobic wax beads for the absorption of gas particles: A one health approach to address fuel spills in lake Muskoka

“…However, a major issue with oil booms is that they are quite ineffective when water conditions are not "ideal" (Cumo et al, 2007). For example, high winds and waves can flatten the boom into the water, causing the release of oil and secondary contamination (Francisco et al, 2018). Moreover, these physical clean-up responses for fuel and oil spills often involve a great deal of community participation, which is associated with heavy foot traffic and detrimental effects on both non-human animals and the environment (Pezeshki et al, 2000).…”

“…In addition to physical strategies for fuel spills, chemical strategies may include dispersal agents which break up oil and fuel into smaller droplets (Francisco et al, 2018;Chakraborty et al, 2012). However, dispersant formulations are both toxic and increase the exposure of resident non-human animals to spilled fuels by creating small droplets in the water column, ultimately impacting health and well-being (Francisco et al, 2018;Chakraborty et al, 2012).…”

“…In addition to physical strategies for fuel spills, chemical strategies may include dispersal agents which break up oil and fuel into smaller droplets (Francisco et al, 2018;Chakraborty et al, 2012). However, dispersant formulations are both toxic and increase the exposure of resident non-human animals to spilled fuels by creating small droplets in the water column, ultimately impacting health and well-being (Francisco et al, 2018;Chakraborty et al, 2012). A study by Goodbody-Gringley et al (2013), for example, found that the dispersal agent Corexit® 9500 used to clean up the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill caused mortality in two coral species, Orbicella faveolate and Porites astreoides.…”

“…A minimally invasive solution must be created that removes microscopic fuel particles from the water without causing unintended damage to humans, non-human animals, and the environment. Imbiber® technology was developed by researchers to demonstrate that in water, hydrophobic beads attract other hydrophobic particles, causing aggregation of these substances (Francisco et al, 2018).…”

“…While an upstream long-term solution for preventing fuel spills is to reduce the number of fuel leaks, this may be difficult to manage given the amount of motorized recreational boating in Lake Muskoka. Thus, the implementation and continuous revaluation of the absorbent wax bead technology is recommended as it would offer a sustainable long-term solution that reduces the number of microscopic fuel particles within the water (Francisco et al, 2018). Through utilizing hydrophobic interactions to attract microscopic fuel particles to wax beads, pollutants such as PAHs can be eliminated from the water, ultimately reducing the number of adverse health impacts for humans, nonhuman animals, and the environment (de Jesus & Yin, 2017).…”