From Waste to Eco-Technology: Hair as a Filter Material for Oil Products
An environmental project is underway in Brazil where cut human hair is transformed into special barriers to retain oil products and other pollutants in coastal waters.
The project is being implemented by the non-profit organization Fiotrar, founded by Mariana Robran. This technology, using hair to filter pollutants, is already being used in countries such as Chile and the United States.
The first tests in Brazil took place in Bom Jesus Bay in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro. A floating barrier designed to retain waste already existed in this area.
The new filters are attached to an orange floating barrier, which serves as the base for the Fiotrar barrier.
Hair Traps Petroleum Products
The structure is a cylinder filled with hair. When placed in water, the "mat" forms a barrier capable of trapping oil, biodiesel, and other pollutants.
According to chemist Caroline Carvalho, these barriers can remain at sea for up to four months. They are designed to trap pollution from ships, illegal discharges, and other sources.
Hairdressing Salons Become a Source of Raw Materials
The project's potential is linked, in part, to the availability of the primary raw material. Around ten salons are already donating hair clippings not used for wig making to the production of eco-friendly mats.
Animal hair can also be used to filter and absorb oil.
Thus, a material that would normally be considered waste is finding practical application in environmental technology.
Pollution Threatens Fisheries
Guanabara Bay has been facing various types of pollution for decades. Intensive shipping and constant vessel traffic remain a factor.
Local fishermen note the impact of oil spills on their fishing operations. Fisherman Sergio Carvalho said that fishing nets often encounter oil spills when heading out to sea.
He said the oil remains on the surface of the water, but it affects living organisms down to a depth of approximately 1.5 meters, which affects fish numbers.
A Long-Running Environmental Initiative
Fiotrar founder Mariana Robran has been involved in projects using donated hair for many years. In 2013, she launched the charity project Cabelegria, which aimed to make wigs from donated hair for cancer patients.
Today, This Same Resource Is Finding a New Environmental Application
Project participants and representatives of the fishing community hope that the hair barriers will help reduce pollution in Guanabara Bay and promote the restoration of its ecosystems.
