Magnetic particle technology in environmental remediation and wildlife rehabilitation |
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Authors: | John D Orbell Hien V Dao Lawrence N Ngeh Stephen W Bigger |
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Institution: | (1) Institute for Sustainability and Innovation, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, Victoria, 8001, Australia;(2) School of Molecular Sciences, Werribee Campus, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428 Melbourne, Victoria, 8001, Australia |
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Abstract: | The use of magnetic particles in environmental remediation and wildlife rehabilitation is currently under investigation at
Victoria University, in collaboration with the Phillip Island Research Centre, Victoria, Australia. Iron powder has been shown
to be very effective for the magnetic cleansing of feathers and plumage and is almost ideal for this purpose, being non-toxic,
a non-irritant and recyclable. Detailed investigations have demonstrated that by varying particle size, particle structure
and surface texture, the efficacy of oil removal from feathers and plumage can be successfully manipulated. In this regard,
it is possible to identify a grade of iron powder whereby, within experimental error, effectively 100% removal of a variety
of fresh contaminants from different matrices, including feathers, can be achieved. Our investigations have been extended
to the application of such particles to the successful removal of tarry and weathered/tarry contamination. The results of
these investigations have indicated that, for such contaminants, removals ranging from 97–99% may be achieved. Magnetic particle
technology may also be adapted for the screening of pre-conditioning agents that can further assist in the removal of tarry
and weathered/tarry contamination from feathers. These investigations suggest that magnetic particles could have an important
role to play in environmental remediation and wildlife rehabilitation as a clean and effective technology. |
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Keywords: | Environmental remediation Feather Iron powder Magnetic Oil removal Wildlife rehabilitation |
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