ABSTRACT
The stranded oil on shoreline substrates can cause serious and persistent contamination in coastal regions, and its impacts are highly variable depending on a variety of factors (such as oil type, substrate, and prevailing conditions). In this study, a functionalized coating, derived from alginate and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), was developed and applied to shoreline substrates to mitigate the impact of spilled oil on coastal areas. The results from batch oil removal tests indicated a remarkably high oil removal capacity, with up to 98% of oil being effectively removed from the coated gravel surface within a 15-minute washing process. Environmental durability was demonstrated through the simulated seawater exposure with 24-hour washing-dry treatments, which did not substantially affect the coating's ability in oil removal (still around 90%). Batch oil prevention tests revealed little oil adhesion to the coating on gravel after exposure to various oil emulsions over different time spans, attributed to the presence of a hydration layer at the interface. In addition, the performance of coated gravel was further investigated through the shoreline tank system, and the results showed that more oil floating on water surface, less oil remaining on beach, and less disturbance in the subsurface. This functionalized coating has the potential to significantly enhance responses to oil spill incidents.