Prospects of nanosorption and photocatalysis in remediation of oil spills

Abstract

Nanoremediation approaches have been applied to remove oil from surface and ground water as oil spills have been found to have long-term negative consequences for the ecosystem. Nanoremediation via the nanosorption mechanism of different environmental matrices in the world at large is at its formative stages despite the alarming and extensive prevalence of petroleum related environmental pollution. Over 9 million barrels of oil have been leaked in the last five decades, making that ecosystem one of the most deteriorated by oil exploration and extraction activities. The goal of this research is to assess the current status, trends, and future prospects of the nanosorption of surface and ground water in oil spill regions. High surface area of nanomaterials, wide spectrum of treatable contaminants, non-generation of intermediate or secondary products, as well as speed and extent of contaminant destruction give nanoremediation a superior comparative edge over other treatment technologies. Notably, the remediation efficiency of a cleanup is highly dependent on the type of material and treatment routes employed. It is imperative to employ a concerted and practical approach to the development of nanotechnology to combat the bedeviling oil pollution challenges faced in oil producing counties.