Surfactant efficacy in removal of petrochemicals from feathers: results using an improved method for objective testing

Andrea Martin; Jada Pagan; Noah Smeriglio; Tyler Apple

doi:10.53607/wrb.v43.277

Authors

Andrea Martin Chemistry Department, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
Jada Pagan Chemistry Department, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
Noah Smeriglio Chemistry Department, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA
Tyler Apple Chemistry Department, Widener University, Chester, PA, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53607/wrb.v43.277

Keywords:

surfactant, petrochemical, oiled wildlife

Abstract

A set of detergents were tested in a blind study to determine their efficacy in removing a hydrocarbon blend from feathers. In the course of the work, significant modifications were made to the published procedure to improve precision and reduce cost. The most effective detergents were found to be Palmolive Ultra®, Dawn Ultra Pure Essentials® and its UK equivalent, Fairy Liquid, and Bright Green^TM.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Audubon. 2014. Accessed on the internet at https://www.audubon.org/news/more-one-million-birds-died-duringdeepwater-horizon-disaster on 19 September 2024

Berkner A.B., Smith D.C. & Williams A.S. 1977. Cleaning agents for oiled wildlife. In Oil spill conference. Pp. 411–415. Accessed on the internet at https://birdrescue.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/1977-Cleaning-Agents.pdfon 19 September 2024.

Bryndza H.E., Foster J.P., McCartney J.H., Lober J.C. & Lundberg B. 1995. Methodology for determining surfactant efficacy in removal of petrochemicals from feathers. In C. Rineer-Garber (ed.): Wildlife and oil spills: response, research, and contingency planning. Pp. 69–86. Newark, DE: Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc.

Bryndza H.E., Foster J.P., McCartney J.H., Lundberg B. & Lober J.C. 1991. Surfactant efficacy in removal of petrochemicals from feathers. In L. Frink, K. Ball-Weir & C. Smith (eds.): The effects of oil on wildlife: research, rehabilitation and general concerns. Pp. 78–94. Suisun, CA: International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.

Center for Biological Diversity. undated. Accessed on the internet at https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/programs/public_lands/ energy/dirty_energy_development/oil_and_gas/gulf_oil_spill/a_deadly_toll.html on 19 September 2024.

EPA. 2023. Accessed on the internet at https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-proposes-ban-all-consumer-most-industrial-and-commercial-uses-methylene-chloride on 19 September 2024.

King, M.D., Elliott J.E. & Williams T.D. 2020. Effects of petroleum exposure on birds: a review. Science of the Total Environment 755(Pt 1), 142834. doi: 10.1016.j.scitotenv.2020.142834.

Miller E., Keller J. & Bryndza H. 2006. An evaluation and comparison of some current products for the removal of petrochemicals from feathers. In K. Evans & R. Dunne (eds.): The effects of oil on wildlife: proceedings of the eighth international conference. Pp. 85–99. Newark, DE: Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc.

Miller E.A., Bryndza H., Milionis C., Meenan K. & Simmons M. 2003. An evaluation of the efficacy of eighty-six products in the removal of petrochemicals from feathers. In The effects of oil on wildlife: Proceedings of the sixth international conference. Myrtle Beach, SC.

Miller E.A., Bryndza H., Milionis C., Meenan K. & Simmons M. 2003. An evaluation of the efficacy of eighty-six products in the removal of petrochemicals from feathers. In H. Stout (ed.): Proceedings from the 2000 Effects of Oil on Wildlife

Conference, Pp. 52–66. Newark, DE: Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc.

Miller E.A. & Ricko A. 2022. Evaluating the efficacy of 16 surfactants for removing petrochemicals from feathers. Wildlife Rehabilitation Bulletin 39(1), 9–22. https://doi.org/10.53607/wrb.v39.244

Pubchem (NIH National Library of Medicine). not dated. Accessed on the internet at https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methylene-Chloride#section=Toxicity on 19 September 2024.

USC Environmental Health and Safety. not dated. Accessed on the internet at https://ehs.usc.edu/research/lab/sustainability-in-research-labs-at-usc/solvents-for-a-safersustainable-lab/ on 19 September 2024.

U.S. Energy Information Agency. 2023. Accessed on the internet at https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/use-of-oil.php on 19 September 2024.