Conversion of biomass into useful adsorbents for oil spill remediation: A comprehensive review

Abstract

The release of liquid hydrocarbons into the natural ecosystem remains a threat to the lives and livelihood of inhabitants in such areas. The demand for oil and its derivatives has led to increased exploration and exploitation activities in the downstream sector. Accidental discharge of crude oil causes environmental degradation in oil-producing areas. It is very difficult to avoid accidental discharge; hence, efforts are being put in place for remediation of the oil spill as soon as it happens. Advanced technologies for oil spill response are the best remediation strategies but are very expensive. High cost of advanced oil spill treatment necessitates the search for affordable methods for remediating oil-polluted water. This article puts together a comprehensive and up-to-date review on oil spillage and occurrences, remediation techniques of oil spillage, sorbents for oil mop up, biomass and conversion of diverse biomass resources for removal of oil, recycling and reusability of spent adsorbents as well as factors influencing removal of oil. Biomass resources are low-cost, renewable, and readily available agricultural byproduct. Efficient utilization of these huge resources reduces disposal problems and adds value to underutilized materials. Conversion of biomass to adsorbents through various treatments (physical or chemical or combination of physical and chemical methods) is now the focus of some researchers and the results are promising. This review investigates the efficacy of biomass-derived sorbents in oil spill remediation, emphasizing their capacity to reduce environmental impact while supporting circular economy strategies through enhanced waste valorization. The prospects of converting biomass into efficient adsorbents for oil removal are also highlighted in this review.