TaBuKo

The utilization of synthetic polymer-based oil sorbents has significantly contributed to the accumulation of plastic waste in oceans. Concurrently, the excessive disposal of Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) by the palm oil industry exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions through methane release. As a sustainable solution, TaBuKo is introduced as a dual-functional, biodegradable oil sorbent agent. Developed from natural precursors such as EFB and shrimp shells, TaBuKo exhibits oleophilic and hydrophobic properties for optimal oil absorption. The production involves treating palm fibers with 5% NaOH to enhance surface properties, while chitosan is extracted from shrimp shells through deproteinization, demineralization, and deacetylation. These components are integrated by mixing the treated fibers and chitosan in an acetic acid solution to form a uniform hybrid gel, which is then moulded and dried. Results indicate that TaBuKo possesses high absorption capacity and effectively adsorbs heavy metals, such as mercury and cadmium, due to the presence of chitosan. In practical application, TaBuKo can be deployed directly onto oil spills for rapid remediation. This innovation not only minimizes plastic dependency but also effectively upcycles palm biomass waste, embodying circular bioeconomy principles. Furthermore, TaBuKo aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9, 12, and 14 by promoting sustainable resource utilization and marine ecosystem preservation. TaBuKo holds significant commercial potential for the maritime, logistics, and industrial sectors, driving the transition toward environmental sustainability.