Comparative Study of Engineered Bio-Sorbents Derived from Agricultural Waste

Oil spill contamination poses severe environmental and health hazards, particularly in regions like the Niger Delta, where crude oil exploration is predominant. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing agricultural waste materials such as pineapple leaves, pumpkin stems, and kola nut pod fibers to develop structured natural sorbents. The structured fibers were characterized based on their morphological, chemical, and oil sorption properties. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the structure, crystallinity, and surface energy of these fibers. The results indicate that structured fiber assemblies exhibited higher surface roughness and porosity, enhancing capillary action and improving oil uptake and retention. Chemical analysis revealed functional groups, such as hydroxyl (-OH) and carbonyl (C=O), that enhance oil affinity. Contact angle measurements confirmed increased hydrophobicity, ensuring selective oil sorption. Oil retention tests demonstrated that structured fibers retained oil effectively even under mechanical agitation. The maximum oil sorption capacity recorded was 25.4 g/g for structured sorbents, significantly outperforming unmodified fibers. Reusability tests showed that structured sorbents maintained over 85% of their initial absorption capacity after five reuse cycles, confirming their economic and environmental viability. The findings suggest that structured natural sorbents provide a cost-effective, biodegradable, and sustainable alternative for oil spill remediation.