MANDACARU POWDER BIOSORVENT (CEREUS JAMACARU DC) HYDROFOBIZED FOR DIESEL REMOVAL IN SPILL CASES

Abstract

The spill of oil and its derivatives in water and soil has been a challenge in the world for decades due to the high toxicity and mobility of hydrocarbons. One of the most efficient methods to minimize this type of contamination is the use of sorrtion processes. Currently, synthetic sorbents are the most used in oil spillage, due to their excellent oleophilic and hydrophobic properties. However, due to its high costs several researches have been seeking alternative sorbents. Biosorbents have stood out as an alternative method in the removal of organic contaminants, because in addition to being biodegradable, they present high natural availability, low cost, and a good sorption capacity. The aim of this research was to hydrophobe madacaru (Cereus jamacaru DC.) with Carnaúba wax for use as sorbent material in diesel removal in cases of spillage. The material was characterized by FTIR, TG/DTG, DSC, Mev, Wetability/Contact Angle techniques. Hydrophobicization significantly increased the affinity of the oil material with a contact angle with water of 94º; the micrographs and FTIR confirmed that the surfaces of the Mandacaru were covered by carnauba wax, and the sorption results for diesel were satisfactory without reducing the sorption capacity by hydrophobicization (1.65±0.01 g/g).