Seashore mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos) stems as a feedstock for biodegradable absorbents

• Seashore mallow (SM) is a halophyte being examined as a bioenergy crop.
• Ground SM stem tissues are highly absorbent of water and organic fluids.
• Ground SM stems appear to be excellent biodegradable absorbents.

Seashore mallow (Kosteletzkya pentacarpos (L.) Ledebour) is a perennial halophyte producing multiple, harvestable stems per year which were examined for several bioabsorbent applications. Larger, debarked stems were milled and separated into three fractions by sieving. The largest fraction absorbed water readily and appeared to be an excellent bedding material for birds and small animals. The mid-sized fraction made an excellent base for biodegradable cat litter. The finest fraction efficiently absorbed diesel fuel which could be subsequently burned as a fuel. Smaller stems with bark (bast fibers) intact were milled to produce a material which performed excellently as hydraulically-applied mulch (hydromulch), with comparable properties to a commercial hydromulch.