C.O.C.O.S: Coconut Husk Optimization for Clean-up of Oil Spill

This study aims to develop a product for oil spill clean-up with the use of coconut husk as a natural adsorbent. Coconut husks are frequently discarded as waste. This contributes to environmental pollution. To help reduce waste in the environment, re-purposing it as an adsorbent for oil spill clean-up helps make it a beneficial solution to society. Coconut husk is easier to find and widely available compared to other adsorbents like hair. Additionally, due to its natural lignin and cellulose content, its water-resistant nature makes it more effective in separating oil from water. This provides an eco-friendly and practical alternative. Every day, hundreds to thousands of spills occur globally, including in marine environments. Oil spills result in major economic damage and long-term harm, which gives a significant problem to ocean ecosystems. This study utilizes a development research design, which focuses on designing, testing, and evaluating a device that enhances oil spills clean-up. The device was developed to maximize the oil adsorption properties of coconut husk and evaluate its effectiveness under controlled conditions. Tests conducted proved the C.O.C.O.S device to be an eco-friendly solution for oil spills. Using heated coconut husk as the main adsorbent recorded an oil adsorption capacity of 34.62% within 30 minutes, it adsorbed 64.29% of oil much faster than 44.33% adsorption over 60 minutes as reported by Anawa and Ewemoje (2021) and retained 93.33% of the adsorbed oil after just 5 minutes. The results show that the coconut husk is effective in adsorbing oil, supporting the findings of Kelle and Eboatu (2018), who emphasized its high oil adsorption and retention properties. The formula of Xiang (2011) was used to measure adsorption as well. Based on the results, the researchers recommend additional analysis regarding the efficacy of coconut husk adsorption in actual water bodies, testing its effectiveness on various oils, and adapting different processing techniques such as carbonization or powdering to increase its adsorption and structural durability. Design and testing refinements will confirm in the future C.O.C.O.S. as an effective, economically friendly, and green method for oil spill remediation.