by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
BEERSHEBA, Israel (Worthy News) – Israeli researchers have developed an innovative plant-based “super sponge” capable of rapidly absorbing massive amounts of oil while also helping naturally occurring bacteria break down the pollution.
Scientists at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev created the porous aerogel from cellulose fibers enriched with nitrogen and phosphorus. In laboratory testing, the material absorbed roughly 100 times its own weight in crude oil, fuel and other hydrocarbons, according to the university.
The breakthrough goes beyond simply soaking up oil. Once petroleum is trapped inside the material, the embedded nutrients provide food for oil-degrading bacteria, bringing the microorganisms into close contact with the pollutants and accelerating the natural biodegradation process. Researchers say the bacteria may ultimately help break down the cellulose-based sponge itself as well.
The technology could offer a cleaner alternative to conventional oil-spill responses, which often require contaminated absorbent materials to be collected and discarded. The peer-reviewed research was published in Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, while patent protection for the Israeli technology is now being pursued.
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