Biocomposites and natural fibers for oil-water separation: a review on materials, modifications, and performance

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21712/lajer.2025.v12.n3.p239-248

Keywords:

Biocomposites, Natural fibers, Oil-water separation, Sorption, Reusability

Abstract

The continuous expansion of industrialization, energy demand, and economic development has been directly correlated with the increasing incidence of oil spills and the discharge of oily effluents, posing an environmental and ecological risk of global magnitude that threatens human health and the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. The development of sustainable sorbent materials for the treatment of oily effluents is primarily based on the valorization of agricultural biomass residues, whose structure is mainly composed of natural fibers such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. This study conducts a systematic review of the recent literature on natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites applied to the treatment of oily effluents. The analysis focuses on modification strategies and evaluates the materials' performance in terms of sorption capacity, selectivity, reusability, and stability.

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Author Biographies

  • M.a Arieli Santos de Andrade Segantine, Federal University of Espírito Santo

    PhD candidate in Energy (PPGEN) at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES). Holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Technologies from the Federal Institute of Espírito Santo – IFES (2019). Specialist in Environmental Management from the Vale do Cricaré University Center – UNIVC (2010). Graduated in Environmental Sanitation Technology from the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Espírito Santo – IFES (2008).
    Currently works as an environmental consultant developing Environmental Licensing processes, environmental projects, and training programs.
    Has experience in the field of Environmental Management, including preparing environmental licensing processes for IEMA and other competent agencies, developing environmental projects, lectures, and related activities.
    Worked in the area of Public Health conducting studies for diagnosing Healthcare Waste Management, developing and implementing Healthcare Waste Management Plans. Developed a project to raise awareness among hospital employees, patients, and companions regarding proper waste disposal.

  • Dr Paulo Sérgio da Silva Porto, Federal University of Espírito Santo

    He holds a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Rio Grande (1997), a master's degree in Food Engineering and Science from the Federal University of Rio Grande (2001), and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Campinas (2005). He is currently a Full Professor (Class E) at the Federal University of Espírito Santo, a member of the Structuring Teaching Core (NDE) at the Federal University of Espírito Santo, a member of the Permanence Criteria Committee of the Graduate Program in Energy (Master’s) at the Federal University of Espírito Santo, and coordinator of the Materials Physical Characterization Laboratories I and II and the Unit Operations Laboratory at the Federal University of Espírito Santo. His main research areas include separation processes, energy efficiency, electroflocculation reactors for wastewater treatment, and waste reuse.

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Published

11/29/2025

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 3 (2025)

Section

Eficiência Energética

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Copyright (c) 2025 Latin American Journal of Energy Research

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

O autor, no ato da submissão do artigo, transfere o direito autoral ao periódico.

How to Cite

Santos de Andrade Segantine, A. and Sérgio da Silva Porto, P. (2025) “Biocomposites and natural fibers for oil-water separation: a review on materials, modifications, and performance”, Latin American Journal of Energy Research, 12(3), pp. 239–248. doi:10.21712/lajer.2025.v12.n3.p239-248.

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