Nano-fused multidirectional rotatable floating biocarrier: an innovative approach for the removal of petroleum oil spills

Abstract

Petroleum oil contamination in marine and coastal environments poses significant ecological risks, necessitating the development of efficient remediation strategies. In this study, a modified nanobioremediation (m-NBR) platform is developed using green-synthesized silver(I) oxide (Ag₂O) nanocubes derived from Rhizophora apiculata (R. apiculata) leaf extract. The nanocubes are immobilized on rotatable polystyrene (PS) based floating biocarriers and integrated with Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii). The Ag₂O nanocubes are characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to evaluate their structural and morphological properties. A. baumannii achieved 88.14% hydrocarbons (HCs) degradation within 10 days, which increased to 99.08% within 6 days upon incorporation of Ag₂O-functionalized floating biocarriers. The rotatable design enhances light exposure and pollutant contact, thereby facilitating photocatalytic activity and microbial attachment. These innovative synergistic effects of photocatalysis and biodegradation promote the breakdown of petroleum HCs into less toxic intermediates. These findings indicate that the present m-NBR platform is a highly promising approach for petroleum oil spill remediation in aquatic environments.