Use of diatomite from Polish fields in sustainable development as a sorbent for petroleum substances

Diatomites are one of the most interesting materials found in various regions of the world. In Poland, there is the only active diatomite mine in Jawornik Ruski in the Podkarpacie region. Diatomite fields in Poland with an average SiO2 content of 72% are found in the Carpathian Mountains, in the Leszczawka region. Geological data indicate the existence of at least 4 large deposits of this material, but one deposit (Jawornik) is being exploited. The diatomite from the Polish deposit differs from other raw materials of similar origin. It has recently been the subject of intensive scientific research aimed at its extensive use in industry, breeding, and agriculture. This locally occurring material has different properties from other such materials existing in other regions, which is why its research is important in terms of its potential use. The balance resources are estimated at about 10 million tons, so its economic use can have an impact not only locally but globally. In spite of the different chemical and phase composition in relation to competing diatomites, it was hypothesized that it would be possible to select appropriate processing parameters on the basis of a series of investigations into the properties, so that even from the raw material of not the best quality, products could be obtained which were superior to those of competitors in terms of sorption parameters. In the presented research we used, among other things, the Westinghouse method to determine the degree of absorption of diatomite, as well as such research methods as particle size analysis, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Specific surface area measurements were determined using the single-point and multi-point Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) methods. Results of physicochemical analyses of diatomite and results of absorption of petroleum substances are presented in the article. As a result of the research, it was found that diatomite of Polish origin may have an absorption capacity of oil derivatives at the level of about 130% by weight. This result is of great commercial importance because the degree of absorption is superior to other competing materials. This material can be successfully used to remove various oil spills and eliminate environmental hazards. The results of the investigations are also of economic importance, as the production of the best quality sorbents from locally available raw materials reduces transport costs and thus the environmental impact. In addition, the production of highly efficient sorbents reduces the consumption of raw materials as well as the waste of sorbents impregnated with petroleum-derived substances. It is estimated that the savings from producing sorbents with the parameters described in the article will be about 30% in comparison to popular competitive materials of other origins.