Comparative Characterization of Broiler and Old-Layer Chicken Feather Species for Oil Sorption

This study characterizes chicken feather-based sorbents and assesses their effectiveness for cleaning up oil spills. Proximate analysis and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were utilized to measured moisture content, fixed carbon, and elemental make-up in broiler and old-layer species. Findings showed that both feathers have the chemical stability and structure needed to trap pollutants. Broiler feathers were found to have better absorption capabilities, having lower initial moisture and higher fixed carbon content compared to old-layer feathers. XRF analysis showed the occurrence of mineral oxides that help stabilize the keratin structure. The findings suggest that both feather types are biodegradable options compared to commercial polypropylene (PP) pad for oil spill cleanup. Broiler feathers showed a competitive sorption capacity of 15.7 g/g, these results indicate that both broiler and old-layer feathers are practical, low-cost, and biodegradable materials suitable for oil recovery.