Coco Sorbent: The Potential of Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Husk as An Alternative Main Ingredient in Making Oil Absorbent Pads for Oil Spills on Lands

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Krystal Emerald A. Pedro, University of the Cordilleras Integrated School - SHS DepartmentFollow
• Sophia Jane D. Bayang, University of the Cordilleras Integrated School - SHS DepartmentFollow
• Argielyn C. Ladia, University of the Cordilleras Integrated School - SHS DepartmentFollow
• Anne Lindsay A. Liclican, University of the Cordilleras Integrated School - SHS DepartmentFollow
• Rexyl Zhan D.C Nicolas, University of the Cordilleras Integrated School - SHS DepartmentFollow
• Kate Angela M. Ocampo, University of the Cordilleras Integrated School - SHS DepartmentFollow

Document Types

Poster Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)

School Name

University of the Cordilleras

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Ilingan, Michael V.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Laguna Campus (In-person) - John Gokongwei, Jr. Innovation Center (JGIC)

Abstract/Executive Summary

Oil spills are devastating environmental events that cause significant economic and ecological harm. Fortunately, oil absorbent pads can help contain the spread of oil, mitigating some of the damage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of coconut husk as an alternative main ingredient in producing oil absorbent pads. The research compares commercialized pads and pads made from coconut husk (Coco Sorbent), focusing on four key parameters: absorption rate, tear resistance, density, and absorption efficiency expressed as grams of oil absorbed per gram of material. Results indicate that Coco Sorbent has a significantly lower mean density of 0.0226 g/cm³ compared to commercial pads at 0.041 g/cm³. This lower density resulted in a greater mean oil absorption capacity of 186 ml, significantly outperforming the commercial mean of 116 ml ( p=0.000174 ). However, standardized tests using g/g, commercial pads demonstrated higher absorption efficiency being 13.51g/g than coco sorbent being 7.61 g/g indicating a more efficient oil uptake per unit mass. Although in durability, Coco Sorbent demonstrated lower tear resistance with a mean of 0.148 N compared to 3.5 N for commercial pads ( p=0.00000041 ). In conclusion, coconut husk is a viable, environmentally responsible alternative for oil spill remediation. While the material exhibits superior buoyancy and absorption due to its low density, it shows lower efficiency per unit mass and reduced durability underscores a need for structural improvement. Further research into improving durability is recommended to realize its potential as a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution for protecting land ecosystems.

Keywords

coconut husk, oil absorbent pads, oil spills, eco-friendly, sustainability

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes