The Design of Synergistic Dispersant and Herding Systems using Tubular Clay Structures and Gel Phase Materials
Implementing Organization
Tulane University
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$1,226,360
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI)
Funding Program
Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative GoMRI Grant Program
Details
Project Category
Science
Project Actions
Oil System Safety Research
Targeted Resources
Human and/or Institutional Capacity
Project Description
We propose to conduct fundamental and applied research to develop dispersant systems that are synergistic with the COREXIT class of dispersants C9500), but that may alleviate many of the disadvantages of C9500 without the need for entirely different chemical components. Our goal is to develop a new gel based dispersant that adheres to the oil and is buoyant, thus encountering oil efficiently, and has the potential to disperse weathered oil. We will also test if encapsulating these gels into the tubular lumen of halloysite will facilitate anchoring of microbial oil degrading communities to the interface, thereby enhancing biodegradation.
Contact
Vijay T. JohnNone
vj@tulane.edu
Project Website
None
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