GEORGE TOWN: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) researchers have created an oil absorbent substance from prawn shells.
GEORGE TOWN: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) researchers have created an oil
absorbent substance from prawn shells.
Research group head, Dr Suzylawati Ismail said the 10-year research found some special characteristics of the prawn shell that were effectively able to enhance the decomposition process in chemical and oil wastes in polluted water.
The product known as Chi-Sorb, was created using oxidation technology that would enable simultaneous absorbing, clotting and scouring process, besides having a faster reaction.
"Chemically, the prawn shells modified by certain processes make for an effective absorbent substance to clean up oil-contaminated water.
"The product is comparable to the normal synthetic absorbent material and is more environmental friendly because it is metal-free," she told reporters, here today.
She said apart from treating water in industrial areas, the absorbent substance could be used to remove oil spills along the coasts, by scattering the substance onto the affected areas.
She added that used Chi-Sorb could be used as fertiliser and easily disposed of.
Last month, the research product won the main award at the Korea International Women's Invention Exposition (KIWIE) 2012 held in Seoul. -- BERNAMA
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