A QUICK METHOD FOR SEPARATING FUEL OIL FROM SAND DEVELOPED

23.01.2025
A QUICK METHOD FOR SEPARATING FUEL OIL FROM SAND DEVELOPED

Researchers from the Youth Laboratory «Molecular Metal-Free Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Energy» at Ogarev Mordovia State University have developed an innovative solution for the rapid separation of fuel oil from sand. This breakthrough could help address the environmental damage caused by the oil spill in the Black Sea, as shared by the university’s rector, Dmitry Glushko, on his Telegram channel.

«Our young scientists at Ogarev Mordovia State University have proposed a solution to help mitigate the effects of the ecological disaster caused by the oil spill in the Black Sea. In January, researchers from the Youth Laboratory 'Molecular Metal-Free Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Energy' created a unique, fully biodegradable material that quickly separates fuel oil from sand,» Glushko announced.

Alexander Dolganov, associate professor and head of the Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, explained that the process does not involve expensive reagents and is both efficient and environmentally safe. «The fuel oil recovered during the process can either be reused or safely disposed of. Currently, the laboratory setup can clean up to 10 kilograms of sand per cycle. During field operations on Anapa beaches, we aim to scale this to several tons per day,» Dolganov said.

Anastasia Elizova, an assistant to the rector and a former volunteer in Anapa, visited the laboratory to learn about the innovation.

«Working with the head of the laboratory, Alexander Dolganov, we are now exploring ways to deploy this technology to clean the Black Sea beaches. We are ready to travel to the site if necessary. In addition, we are considering testing this method for cleaning birds affected by the fuel oil spill. Since the material is biodegradable and safe, volunteers may be able to clean birds faster and more effectively without relying on traditional methods like starch or dish soap, which could help the birds recover more quickly. However, this will require additional research,» Elizova noted.

According to Glushko, the laboratory team has already tested the innovation using samples of fuel oil collected from the beaches of Anapa.