Utilization of silkworm cocoon waste as a sorbent for the removal of oil from water

The aim of this study is to investigate the utilization of silkworm cocoon waste, such as pierced or stained cocoons, as a sorbent material for the removal of motor and vegetable oils from water. The oil-sorption capacity, rate and reusability of the material were evaluated. The results show the high sorption capacity of the silkworm cocoon waste sorbent (42-52 goil/gsorbent for motor oil and 37-60 goil/gsorbent for vegetable oil). The oil sorbed onto the material could be recovered by squeezing the sorbent, and the squeezed material showed an oil-sorption capacity over 15 goil/gsorbent. We concluded that the material shows a high performance as a low cost and environmental friendly sorbent for the removal of oil from water.