Evaluation of the Adsorption Capacity and Efficiency of Coir Dust in Crude Oil Spill Remediation

Crude oil remains a cornerstone of modern economies, but its production and handling frequently cause accidental spills that damage ecosystems. Existing remediation techniques, although effective, are often costly or unfriendly to the environment. This study explores the use of coir dust, an agricultural byproduct, as an oil sorbent in a simulated oil–water system. Adsorption capacity and efficiency were evaluated at particle sizes of 0.425mm, 0.600mm, and 1.18mm, with contact times of 20, 40, 60, and 80 minutes. Results showed that smaller particles (0.425 mm) exhibited superior performance, while adsorption increased with longer contact duration, reaching maximum uptake at 80 minutes. These findings suggest that coir dust is an effective, low-cost, and environmentally sustainable adsorbent for managing crude oil spills.