Concurrent Removal of Rising, Soluble Ocean Carbon Dioxide and Oil-in-Water Contaminants via Multi- Functional Remediation Framework

Overview

The oceans absorb nearly a third of airborne CO2 emissions, while concurrently, 1.3 million gallons of crude oil are spilled into oceans every year. Both issues continue to detrimentally affect marine biodiversity, and the future of human health. This research provides a highly efficient/practical method for the concurrent removal of CO2 and soluble oil-in-water contaminants through the creation of a Multi-Functional Remediation Framework (MF-RF) utilizing hypercross-linked polymers (HCPs), synthesized from Styrofoam. First, Styrofoam HCPs were synthesized through a one-pot Friedel–Crafts reaction according to Dong et al. HCPs alone remediated 88% of the 1.7g/L -soluble-benzene in seawater (via measure of benzene’s fluorescence). Regarding CO2 95% of the contaminant was removed, or 3.12E-5M[CO2]=[H+] (via pH measure). For the MF-RF, HCP-sponges were constructed on 8x1.3x0.7cm of melamine, with PTFE adhesion, and 450mg HCP for pollutant removal/ capture. Air-tight modeling of the sponge benzene/CO2 remediation were subsequently constructed. HCP- sponges remediated 92% of the 1.7g/L -benzene contaminant, and 95% of CO2 (3.12E-5M[CO2]=[H+]). Realistic concurrent oceanic experiments with a 0.1pH difference and maximum solubility of benzene highlight 92% remediation of oil, with only 12.6min needed to reach suitable oceanic pH. High-load concurrent removal experiments with 100x more CO2 demonstrate 71% remediation of oil and 85% remediation of CO2. Via recycle/reuse studies, the MF-RF may be reapplied in contaminated water until its capacity is reached (5.99g oil/HCP-sponge and 3700ppmCO2/HCP-sponge). Stability studies demonstrate prolonged MF-RF integrity, as a dual-functioning, marine-safe, easy-to-use oil and CO2-remediation tool, which is simply lowered into contaminated water, left until saturated, and then lifted out for contaminant. DODEA EUROPE

Competition history

JSHS 2023 Category not listed

Resources

National JSHS abstract book

Related projects

ISEF · 2023