+Estudios de la US Navy  
 
 
 
 
 
  Table 5.1 lists some of the physical properties of the kenaf Bin 2 and Bin 3 products as reported by the manufacturer.
Table 5.1: Physical Properties of Kenaf		  
           
Physical Properties   Kenaf Bin 2   Kenaf Bin 3  
Particle Size (inches)   < 1/4 and > 1/8   < 1/8  
Density (lb/ft3)   6   7  
Absorbency   Up to 6 times its own weight   Up to 6 times its own weight  
Leaching rate (%)   < 0.02%   < 0.02%  
           
 
 
  Table 5.2: Average Absorbency Ratios for Kenaf and Other Sorbents
Absorbency Ratio: Grams of Oil Absorbed Per Gram of Absorbent		  
         
Oil Type KenafMilled Core 2 (Bin 2) KenafMilled Fines (Bin 3) PeatMoss Kitty Litter
T-201        
Heavy Crude 2.90 1.64 1.23 0.31
#2 Diesel 4.39 5.54 3.50 0.44
T-102        
Light Crude 5.87 6.92 3.48 0.45
         
 
 
 

Table 5.2 shows that, the kenaf absorbents outperformed both kitty litter and peat moss. Kenaf’s absorbency ratio for light crude oil and #2 diesel were determined to be 6.92 and 5.54 Respectively. These findings support the absorbency claims made by the manufacturer. It should be noted that kenaf fines (not to be confused with kenaf milled fines) were also tested. The data, not included in the above table, showed an absorbency of 11.98 grams T- 102 light crude oil absorbed per gram of sorbent. Manufacturer states, however, that this absorbency value should not be used because, in their opinion, the “fines” are not a practical or usable form of kenaf. The report asserts that the kenaf fines proved to be in the same range of efficiency as polypropylene fabrics, which have become a standard in environmental applications. In addition, the report recommended that these fines be studied for use as absorbent filler for socks, pillows, or booms.

5.4.1.2 Department of Plant Pathology andWeed Science,Mississippi State University Eco Quik-Sorb samples were collected from three moisture levels within storage modules and examined for the occurrence of bacteria and fungi at Mississippi State University (MSU).The report does not mention using a specific test method. The test protocol, however, is described. The test results showed that four distinct bacterial colonies were present in all moisture levels. Five fungal species, one each from Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Nigrospora, and Sodaria genera were also identified. Along with these five, seven additional fungi were yet to be identified.

5.4.1.3 Mississippi Forest Products Laboratory of Mississippi State University Mississippi Forest Products Laboratory (MFPL) of MSU tested the efficacy of ANFE- Sorb as petroleum sorbent in highly contaminated soil. The report does not mention using a specific test method, although the test protocol is described. Briefly, T-102 light oil was added and mixed into sandy soil to simulate contaminated soil. A soil sample was collected and analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) content. It was then added and mixed in with the contaminated soil. After 10 hours of dwell time, ANFE-Sorb fines were separated from soil by air fractionation. The soil and ANFE-Sorb fines were then extracted and analyzed for TPH content. This preliminary study showed a 56% petroleum loss from the soil while kenaf showed a 66% petroleum gain. The 10% difference was attributed to ANFE-Sorb absorbing organics other than the petroleum from the soil.

  
 

MFPL also conducted a Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test to determine the leaching characteristics of ANFE -Sorb. Initially, the contaminated ANFE -Sorb contained 750,000 ppm of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). The TCLP test showed that only a drop in 160 ppm TPH had leached out of the ANFE -Sorb. This test summary did not mention using any specific method, stating only that the kenaf was extracted for TCLP by “EPA” methods and analyzed for TPH content.

The third test conducted by MFPL evaluated the use of microorganisms for bioremoval of petroleum oil from contaminated Eco ANFE -Sorb. In a test with unspecified method, ANFE -Sorb were contaminated with petroleum oil and placed in flasks. Sterile water was added plus either a bacteria culture (known hydrocarbon bioremoval agent) in nutrient broth or a nutrient broth without the bacterial culture added to the flasks. After being on a rotary shaker for 7 days, the Eco ANFE -Sorb fines were filtered from the liquid media and all samples were tested for microbiological counts and TPH analysis. Both treatments with and without the bacteria culture removed petroleum from kenaf fines at 49% and 55%, respectively. The TPH concentrations in the liquid media were minimal which meant that the effective bioremoval agent was intrinsic to the ANFE -Sorb with little contribution from the bacteria culture.

The report concluded that the preliminary results from the above three tests indicate that ANFE -Sorb could be used as an excellent sorbent of oil and also as a carrier of microorganisms for bioremediation of petroleum wastes. Indigenous microorganisms associated with ANFE -Sorb fines were found to be effective biodegraders as the bacterial culture used in the laboratory study.