METHOD OF SEPARATION AND/OR ISOLATION OF HYDROCARBON OILS FROM WATER USING BIODEGRADABLE ABSORBING SPONGE Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: ecology, water treatment. SUBSTANCE: method involves the use of absorbing oleophilic biodegradable spongy material. Absorbing agent: defatted frothed natural product taken from the group involving animal proteins (gelatin, collagen, egg protein) and vegetable polysaccharides (agar and different gums). Material is treated additionally with silicones and C₈-C₁₈-fatty acid esters. Before or after absorption at least one microorganism species is applied. Depleted absorbing agent is used as fuel source. Using sorbent absorbs above 30 U oil weight per 1 U sorbent. EFFECT: increased hydrophobicity, accelerated oil decomposition. 10 cl, 5 tbl