Optimization of Oil Adsorption by Using Eggshell as an Oil Adsorbent

Abstract

A rise in shipping activities, such as oil exploration, production, storage, and transportation, is a result of increasing demand and needs for oil among consumers worldwide. The risk of oil spills causing marine pollution has increased as a result of these activities. Adsorption is a cost-effective and straightforward method for removing contaminants from water. The use of residuals as adsorbents can improve the process's sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This study suggests using eggshells as an oil adsorbent. Eggshells were cleaned with water and dried in sunlight. Heated treatment in an oven at 70 °C for 1 hour followed by careful grinding. Overall, the specimen was filtered through a 60-200 mesh sieve (74-250 mm). X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to characterize the eggshell. The results revealed that eggshell is composed of calcium (Ca) at a 98.46 atomic percent concentration. The highest palm oil adsorption capacity of 38.01 mL was achieved by optimizing the following parameters: adsorption time of 26.15 min, agitation speed of 357.62 rpm, and weight of adsorbent, which was 19.98 g. The findings demonstrated that eggshell is an effective biosorbent for the removal of oil from water. It will offer a low-cost method of cleaning the oily and contaminated water environment, thereby protecting both human health and the lives of aquatic organisms.