My ElaisEximo (MLX), a solution to oil spill

Abstract

Day by day, Earth is dying of corruption due to all kinds of pollution. Take an incident of oil spills on the sea for example. The aim of this project is to help in the aid of oil spill pollution. M.L.X is made by oil palm residuals, oil palm pulp and activated charcoal powder that works as an oil and smell absorber. The M.L.X saves costs on making the product and is environmental friendly as we promote the concept of reusing unwanted wastes. Residuals of oil palm and activated charcoal are also cheap and easy to get. Can we create an alternative oil absorber by using oil palm residuals and oil palm pulp? Does the MLX absorb pungent odours? The present work focuses on the study of oil palm residuals as a promising oil and smell absorbent material. In this experiment, the oil palm residuals and oil palm pulp are firstly soaked in hot water and rinsed with distilled water several times. Then, the oil palm pulp and activated charcoal are measured with weights of l g till9g. The different types of M.L.X contain different percentages of oil palm pulp and activated charcoal while having the same mass of oil palm residuals, 5g. Absorbency tests and odour tests were carried out. As a result, Bag A is the best to absorb pungent smell while Bag I is the best to absorb oil. Moreover, Bag E has the most suitable proportion to absorb both oil and pungent smell equally. As a conclusion, M.L.X can be used for oil clean up as it contains fibres that are light weight which promotes buoyancy and has the ability to absorb oil and remove pungent smell caused by the oil spills. The study provides a lead for further development replacing sponge and dishwashing paste. The M.L.X not only could absorb the oil and water but also remove the smell from the frying pots after being used.