EPA Approves Fibertect as Oil Spill Cleanup Agent
June 9, 2010 Fox 34 News
Lubbock, TX
Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar
Texas Tech researcher Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar has developed a slick solution for cleaning up the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history – the oil spilling into the Gulf of Mexico after the explosion and sinking of the oil platform Deepwater Horizon.
“This is what every researcher would like to do, not just simply sit in the ivory tower and publish papers, but we would like to see the technology, put it to real use for a very timely situation and application,” Ramkumar says.
Ramkumar’s non-woven cotton-carbon Fibertect can absorb 15 grams of refined motor oil per one gram of material. Through further experimentation, he’s discovered this decontamination wipe can also effectively soak up the bubbling crude that continues to gush into the Gulf.
Ram says Fibertect comes out on top when tested against other materials, including synthetic polypropylene, wool and even human hair. As a result, this invention, which can also trap carcinogenic vapors produced by oil, has garnered national media attention and approval from the EPA.
“it’s a very unique use of textiles and this is a made in the U.S. product, and made with the U.S. economy, by buying the U.S product and using a U.S. product to clean up the spill that’s not going to harm the environment,” adds Amit Kapoor, the president of First Line Technology.
According to Fibertect’s marketing firm, First Line Technology, this EPA tested and mother nature approved biodegradable product has even attracted the attention of several parishes in Louisiana.
“We sent down samples of Fibertect so they could have to see for themselves how it absorbs oil and how you can use it for decontamination,” Ramkumar added.
He’s already sent his findings to BP, but has yet to hear from the company engulfed in scandal. However, he says he’ll work until the coast is clear: “There are so many remediation technologies available, so Fibertect from TTU is one tool in the big tool box available for BP and other agencies to use.”
(Story found in original context here.)
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