Scientists at the University of science and technology of lesetnev, Siberia state, Russia, have developed a highly effective adsorbent for oil contaminated soil, with an adsorption capacity of 10 times that of similar adsorbents, according to a report released by the University.

According to the announcement, a team of scientists from the school of chemical engineering, lesetnev University of science and technology in Siberia has developed a unique biosorption agent that can be used by oil pipeline and automobile enterprises to deal with oil contaminated soil after accidents. One cubic meter of biosorption agent can absorb one ton of oil, and its adsorption capacity is 7 to 10 times that of the same kind of adsorbent.

The adsorbent contains microbes that can degrade oil into simple, nontoxic compounds. After a warm season, all petroleum or petroleum products can be degraded into carbon dioxide and water, and vegetation can be restored. Under natural conditions, it will take decades for oil contaminated soil to be repaired. Another advantage of the adsorbent over similar products is that it does not need to be recycled after use.

Source: China Environmental News