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.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Copley, J.: 1999, ‘Squeaky-Clean: Magnets Could Help Wildlife Recover from Oil Slicks,’ New Scientist 162, 11.
Dann, P. and Jessop, R.: 1991, ‘The Effect of Oil on Birds—An Evaluation of the Birds at Risk along the Great Barrier Reef and a Brief General Review of the Effects of Oil on Individuals and Populations,’ in J. Lash and S. Raaymakers (eds.), Proceedings of Workshop on Oiled Seabird Cleaning and Rehabilitation, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, Australia, pp. 37–43.
Dao, H.V., Ngeh, L.N., Bigger, S.W., and Orbell, J.D.: 2006a, ‘Achievement of 100% Removal of Oil from Feathers Employing Magnetic Particle Technology,’ J. Environmental Engineering 132(5), 555–559.
Dao, H.V., Ngeh, L.N., Bigger, S.W., Orbell, J.D., Healy, M., Jessop, R., and Dann, P.: 2006b, ‘Magnetic Cleansing of Weathered/Tarry Oiled Feathers–The Role of Preconditioners,’ Marine Pollution Bulletin 52(12), 1591–1594.
Franzreb, M., Kampeir, P., Franz, M., and Eberle, H.S.: 1998, ‘Use of Magnet Technology for Phosphate Elimination from Municipal Sewage,’ Journal of Acta Hydrochimica et Hydrobiological 26(4), 213–217.
Hu, J., Lo, I.M.C., and Chen, G.: 2004, ‘Removal of Cr(VI) by Magnetite,’ J. Water Science & Technology 50(12), 139–146.
International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF).: 2004, Oil Tanker Spill Statistics Handbook 2004/2005, International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited, UK.
Kochen, R.L. and Navratil, J.D.: 1997, ‘Removal of Radioactive Materials and Heavy Metals from Water Using Magnetic Resin’, US Patent 5,595,666.
Macasek, F. and Bartos, P.: 2000, ‘A Magnetic Sorbent for Radiocesium and Radiostrontium Removal from Clay and Soil Suspensions,’ J. Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry 246(3), 565–569.
Ngeh, L.N.: 2002, The Development of Magnetic Particles Technology in Environmental Rehabilitation, Ph.D. Thesis, School of Life Sciences, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.
Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN).: 1999, Protocol for the Care of Oil Affected Birds, Wildlife Health Centre, University of California, Davis, U.S.A.
Oliveira, L.C.A., Rios, R.V.R.A., Fabris, J.D., and Lago, R.M.: 2004, ‘Magnetic Particle Technology: A Simple Preparation of Magnetic Composites for the Adsorption of Water Contaminants,’ J. Chemical Education 81(2), 248–250.
Orbell, J.D., Tan, E.K., Coutts, M.C., Bigger, S.W., and Ngeh, L.N.: 1999, ‘Cleansing Oiled Feathers-Magnetically,’ Marine Pollution Bulletin 38, 219–221.
Orbell, J.D., Ngeh, L.N., Bigger, S.W., Zabinskas, M., Zheng, M., Healy, M., Jessop, R., and Dann, P.: 2004, ‘Whole-Bird Models for the Magnetic Cleansing of Oiled Feathers,’ Marine Pollution Bulletin 48, 336–340.
Orbell, J.D., Dao, H.V., Ngeh, L.N., Bigger, S.W., Healy, M., Jessop, R., and Dann, P.: 2005, ‘Acute Temperature Dependency in the Cleansing of Tarry Feathers Utilising Magnetic Particles,’ Environmental Chemistry Letters 3(1), 25–27.
Phanapavudhikul, P., Waters, A.J., and Perez de Ortiz, E.S.: 2003, ‘Design and Performance of Magnetic Composite Particles for the Separation of Heavy Metals from Water,’ J. Environmental Science and Health, Part A-Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering A38(10), 2277–2285.
Piatt, J.F., Lensink, C.J., Butler, W., Kendziorek, M., and Nysewander, D.R.: 1990, ‘Immediate Impact of the ‘Exxon Valdez’ Oil Spill on Marine Birds,’ The Auk 107, 387–397.
Pilcher, H.R.: 2004, ‘Oil-Drenched Birds Get Dry Cleaned,’ Nature 1–2.
Rikers, R.A., Voncken, J.H.L., and Dalmijn, W.L.: 1998, ‘Cr-polluted Soil Studied by High Gradient Magnetic Separation and Electron Probe,’ J. Environmental Engineering 124(12), 1159–1164.
Ryan, S.A.: 2005, ‘The Development of a Quantitative Indicator of Feather Damage, Utilising Digital Imaging Technology,’ MSc Thesis, School of Molecular Sciences, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.
Safarikova, M. and Safarik, I.: 2001, ‘The Application of Magnetic Techniques in Biosciences,’ J. Magnetic and Electrical Separation 10, 223–252.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).: 2002, Best Practices for Migratory Bird Care During Oil Spill Response, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USA.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Orbell, J.D., Dao, H.V., Ngeh, L.N. et al. Magnetic particle technology in environmental remediation and wildlife rehabilitation. Environmentalist 27, 175–182 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-007-9026-7
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-007-9026-7