Oil spills in the ocean are one of the most serious environmental problems today, causing significant and lasting impacts on marine ecosystems. Water contamination by hydrocarbons affects fauna and flora, compromises environmental quality, and threatens economic activities linked to coastal areas. Traditionally, the response to these spills has relied on synthetic materials such as polyurethane foams and chemical dispersants. Despite their effectiveness, these methods have low biodegradability and can produce toxic waste, exacerbating environmental damage.

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Given these limitations, scientific literature has been highlighting the use of natural and biodegradable adsorbents as more sustainable alternatives. Among these materials, plant fibers such as coconut fiber, sugarcane bagasse, and rice husks have been widely studied due to their high porosity, low cost, and good affinity with hydrocarbons. Coconut fiber, in particular, stands out for its mechanical strength, high oil retention capacity, and wide availability, revealing great potential for application in cleaning up spills in marine environments.​

At the same time, biopolymers have taken on an important role in the field of environmental remediation. Chitosan, a biopolymer obtained from chitin, has adsorbent properties, biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, and is completely biodegradable. Studies indicate that chitosan has an affinity for organic compounds, including hydrocarbons, also contributing to the improvement of the structural stability of adsorbent materials.

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Recent literature shows that the combination of plant fibers with biopolymers allows for the development of more efficient and durable hybrid materials. The integration of coconut fiber with chitosan enables the creation of porous structures with greater oil absorption capacity, better mechanical resistance, and potential for reuse. These materials also have the advantage of not releasing microplastics, a problem often associated with synthetic adsorbents used in oil spill remediation.

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Despite scientific advances, many commercial products still have limitations, such as high costs, reduced reusability, or environmental impact after use. Thus, scientific literature reinforces the need for solutions that combine oil absorption efficiency, low environmental impact, and economic viability.

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In this context, the development of a biodegradable sponge made from coconut fiber and chitosan appears to be a promising solution for cleaning up oil spills in the ocean. Based on scientific studies, this approach combines natural, renewable, and biodegradable materials, contributing to the protection of marine ecosystems and the promotion of more sustainable practices in environmental disaster management.

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