Most of the materials designed for removing oil spills from water are single-use, meaning that they’re bound to eventually end up in landfills. We've written about the potential to use shed dog fur for oil spill cleanups, and now, scientists have developed an oil-absorbing sponge … [Read more...] about This reusable and biodegradable sponge can help clean up oil spills
Sponge
Tiny sponge converts dirty cooking oil into biodiesel
Scientists in Australia have developed an incredible sponge-like material that can convert discarded cooking oil and other waste materials into biodiesel. The sponge, which is being described as the first of its kind, is micron-sized and highly porous. When molecules are fed … [Read more...] about Tiny sponge converts dirty cooking oil into biodiesel
Oil-soaking sponge cleans contaminated wastewater from offshore drilling
Drilling and fracking for oil under the seabed produces 100 billion barrels of oil-contaminated wastewater every year by releasing tiny oil droplets into the surrounding water. While most efforts are concentrated on cleaning up large oil spills, researchers are looking for … [Read more...] about Oil-soaking sponge cleans contaminated wastewater from offshore drilling