A sustainable approach to controlling oil spills

As a result of the huge economic and environmental destruction from oil spills, studies have been directed at improving and deploying natural sorbents which are not only the least expensive but also the safest means of spill control. This research reviews the limitations and environmental impact of existing cleanup methods. It also justifies the need for concerted research effort on oil spill control using natural and sustainable technology concepts. The article proposes future guidelines for the development of a sustainable cleanup technology. Finally, guidelines for the development of a new technology for the Middle East are proposed, which is the use of an abundant resource—date palm fibers—for such techniques.

► The article reviewed current oil spill cleanup methods and highlighted their limitations and environmental impacts.
► The article elucidated on oil spill control based on sustainable technology concepts.
► The efficacy and efficiency of natural products were compared to other techniques.
► The article proposed guidelines toward the development of a sustainable cleanup technology.
► Date palm leaves were proposed as natural materials for sustainable cleanup technology.