| Abstract Scope |
Oil and gas activities frequently lead to oil spills, which severely threaten coastal ecosystems and water supplies. Besides harming the environment, oil contamination can disrupt critical infrastructure—such as desalination plants—by causing membrane fouling and operational shutdowns, ultimately jeopardizing freshwater access in coastal regions. Addressing these challenges requires efficient oil spill remediation technologies. Among available oil/water separation techniques, membrane filtration is notable for producing high-quality effluent, but conventional membranes are often plagued by fouling issues when treating oily wastewater. This study introduces a novel anti-fouling filtration membrane made from inorganic nanofibers, offering exceptional resistance to fouling, high permeation rates, and long-term durability. These advantages allow for effective oil separation while ensuring consistent performance under demanding conditions. Our findings underscore the promise of advanced filtration technologies in both marine oil spill cleanup and protecting desalination facilities, representing a vital advancement in securing freshwater resources for coastal communities. |