Ionic Liquid and Tween-80 Mixture as an Effective Dispersant for Oil Spills: Toxicity, Biodegradability, and Optimization

Abstract

Chemical dispersants are used extensively for oil spill remediation. Most of these dispersants are composed of a mixture of surfactants and organic solvents, which raises concerns about aquatic toxicity and environmental impact. In this study, the toxicity and biodegradability of an oil spill dispersant composed of the surface-active ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium lauroyl sarcosinate [Bmim][Lausar] and Tween-80 were investigated. In addition, important environmental factors including salinity, temperature, and wave-mixing energy were optimized to obtain maximum dispersion effectiveness. The acute toxicity against zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) showed that the developed dispersant was practically non-toxic with a median lethal dose of more than 100 mg L –1 after 96 h. The dispersant also demonstrated outstanding biodegradability of 66% after 28 days. A model was developed using a response surface methodology that efficiently ( R 2 = 0.992) related the salinity, temperature, and wave-mixing energy of seawater to dispersion effectiveness. The system was then optimized, and a high dispersion effectiveness of 89.70% was obtained with an experimental error of less than 2%. Our findings suggest that the surface-active ionic liquid and Tween-80 mixture could be a viable alternative to toxic chemical dispersants for oil spill remediation.

Investigation of the Role of Impeller Structural Parameters on Liquid–Liquid Mixing Characteristics in Stirred Tanks

“…Liquid–liquid mixing and dispersion phenomena are commonly found in many industrial processes, such as extraction, emulsification, polymerization, and wastewater treatment. − In these processes, high liquid–liquid mixing rate and narrow droplet size distribution are required for excellent heat and mass transfer rates, which have remained challenging to obtain. Therefore, comprehensive knowledge of the hydrodynamic characteristics and droplet dispersion behavior of the liquid–liquid system has become necessary.…”

High‐pressure infrared spectroscopy of ionic liquids mixed with Tween 80

“…Tween 80 is a food-based non-ionic surfactant that is widely used as an emulsifier in food industries and pharmaceuticals. [1][2][3][4] With the properties of low harm and being easily soluble in water, Tween 80 is allowed to be added to influenza vaccines, antiarrhythmic drugs, ice cream, bread, and beverages. [2][3][4] Some previous works indicated that the mixtures containing Tween 80 have distinct and easy modulated properties.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] With the properties of low harm and being easily soluble in water, Tween 80 is allowed to be added to influenza vaccines, antiarrhythmic drugs, ice cream, bread, and beverages. [2][3][4] Some previous works indicated that the mixtures containing Tween 80 have distinct and easy modulated properties. [1][2][3] Ionic liquids (ILs) are sometimes used as environmentally green solvents due to their negligible vapor pressure, low melting-temperature and non-combustion properties.…”

“…[2][3][4] Some previous works indicated that the mixtures containing Tween 80 have distinct and easy modulated properties. [1][2][3] Ionic liquids (ILs) are sometimes used as environmentally green solvents due to their negligible vapor pressure, low melting-temperature and non-combustion properties. [5][6][7] ILs, being composed of cation(s) and anion(s), can be designed to tune various physical properties such as viscosity, hydrophobicity, or hydrophilicity via the changes in functional groups, structure, and alkyl moieties of ion(s).…”

“…[ 1–4 ] With the properties of low harm and being easily soluble in water, Tween 80 is allowed to be added to influenza vaccines, antiarrhythmic drugs, ice cream, bread, and beverages. [ 2–4 ] Some previous works indicated that the mixtures containing Tween 80 have distinct and easy modulated properties. [ 1–3 ]…”