Preparation of H-oleoyl-carboxymethyl-chitosan and the function as a coagulation agent for residual oil in aqueous system

In this study, H-form oleoyl-carboxymethyl-chitosan (H-O-CMCS) was prepared as a coagulation agent to clean up the residual oil from the waste-water of oil extraction (WWOE). The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the formation of an amide linkage between amino groups of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and carboxyl groups of oleic acid. The adsorption capacities of four absorbents (H-O-CMCS, chitosan, activated carbon and polyaluminium chloride (PAC)) for the residual oil were investigated. Compared with chitosan, activated carbon and PAC, H-O-CMCS was more effective in removing the residual oil from WWOE, which could successfully wash up almost 99% of residual oil from WWOE at the dosage of 0.2 g/L, the mixing time of 3 min, 500 rpm, and a broader range of pH (the system temperature ⩽ 45°C). In similar conditions, comparatively, chitosan, activated carbon and PAC could wash 90%, 82% and 92% of residual oil from WWOE, respectively.