Modification of Diatomite Mineral Sorbent for the Cleanup of Petroleum Spills on Water Surfaces
Mussa N.-S. Amantaiuly K. Azat S. Amrousse R. Toshtay K.
8 July 2025Institute of Combustion Problems, al-Farabi Kazakh State National University
Eurasian Chemico-Technological Journal
2025#27Issue 2101 - 110 pp.
The study investigates the structural, thermal, and adsorption properties of natural diatomite and its modified forms (thermally and acid-treated) for oil spill remediation. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed amorphous silica alongside crystalline phases. Thermogravimetric analysis showed mass losses at 80–300 °C (removal of adsorbed water) and 430–700 °C (dehydroxylation), with an 8.63% total mass loss. Acid treatment with 0.5N H2SO4 significantly altered the chemical composition, increasing the SiO2 content to 88.8% while dissolving CaO, Na2O, and MnO2. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the removal of hydroxyl groups and structural changes following treatment. Nitrogen adsorption analysis revealed enhanced porosity in the acid-modified diatomite (D-H2SO4-400), showing a BET surface area of 80.0 m2/g and a uniform pore size distribution of 19.0 nm. Scanning electron microscopy revealed preserved skeletal structures with improved porosity. Oil sorption tests showed that D-H2SO4-400 exhibited the highest adsorption capacity (optimal at 4 g, 30 µm particle size), achieving maximum uptake within 2 minutes. Overall, these findings confirm that thermal and acid treatments enhance the sorption efficiency of diatomite, making it a promising low-cost and environmentally friendly material for oil spill remediation.
Acid treatment , Diatomite , Oil spills , Sorbent , Sorption capacity
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Université de Lille, Lille, F-59000, France
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 al-Farabi ave, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Satbayev University, 22a Satpaev str, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Chouaïb Doukkali University, Faculty of Sciences, El Jadida, Morocco
Université de Lille
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Satbayev University
Chouaïb Doukkali University
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
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