Sorbent

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-026155",
  "term": "Sorbent",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Material that is used to soak up free liquids by either adsorption or absorption, or both.\n\n2. Essentially inert and insoluble materials that are used to remove oil and hazardous substances from water through adsorption, in which the oil or hazardous substance is attracted to the sorbent surface and then adheres to it; absorption, in which the oil or hazardous substance penetrates the pores of the sorbent material; or a combination of the two. Sorbents are generally manufactured in particulate form for spreading over an oil slick or as sheets, rolls, pillows, or booms. The sorbent material may consist of, but is not limited to, the following materials:(1) Organic products - (i) Peat moss or straw;(ii) Cellulose fibers or cork;(iii) Corn cobs;(iv) Chicken, duck, or other bird feathers.(2) Mineral compounds - (i) Volcanic ash or perlite;(ii) Vermiculite or zeolite.(3) Synthetic products - (i) Polypropylene;(ii) Polyethylene;(iii) Polyurethane;(iv) Polyester.\n\n3. Materials used to retain liquids and gases in a diverse number of environmental, industrial, agricultural, medical, and scientific applications. Absorbents incorporate a substance while adsorbents gather substances on their surfaces.\n\n4. Absorbents and Adsorbents\n\n5. A substance that removes certain vapors or gases (air contaminants) from air.",
  "references": [
    "40 CFR 260.10 (CFR 2013)",
    "40 CFR 300.5 (CFR 2013)",
    "40 CFR 247.3 (CFR 2013)",
    "EPA Emergency Responder Health and Safety Manual - Chapter 4: Respiratory Protection Program"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/sorbent/"
}