title: A sustainable approach to controlling oil spills.
abstract: As a result of the huge economic and environmental destruction from oil spills, studies have been directed at improving and deploying natural sorbents which are not only the least expensive but also the safest means of spill control. This research reviews the limitations and environmental impact of existing cleanup methods. It also justifies the need for concerted research effort on oil spill control using natural and sustainable technology concepts. The article proposes future guidelines for the development of a sustainable cleanup technology. Finally, guidelines for the development of a new technology for the Middle East are proposed, which is the use of an abundant resource--date palm fibers--for such techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Petroleum Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Abdul Aziz
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Al-Majed
authors.forename: Abdulrauf Rasheed
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Adebayo
authors.forename: M Enamul
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Hossain
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004787:Environmental Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*; D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation; D059392:Petroleum Pollution