Efficiency of recycled wool-based nonwoven material for the removal of oils from water

The aim of this study was to highlight the potential use of recycled wool-based nonwoven material for the removal of diesel fuel, crude, base, vegetable and motor oil from water. Sorption capacity of the material in water and in oil without water, oil retention, sorbent reusability and buoyancy in static and dynamic conditions were investigated. The results show high sorption capacity of recycled wool for different kinds of oil. This sorbent also exhibited excellent buoyancy after 24 h of sorption as well as a good reusability since the decrease in sorption capacity did not exceed 50% of the initial value after five sorption cycles in oil without water. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.