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Absorbency
Cotton has proven to be able to soak up 40 times its weight in oil, which is at least twice as much as other synthetic materials commonly used to clean up oil. Unlike other methods of oil removal, the water does not have to be taken with the oil, as most of it passes through the cotton fibers. The oil is fairly easy to retrieve out of the cotton, and can be added back into the industrial pool.
Biodegradable
Another significant aspect of using cotton to clean up oil spills is that cotton fibers are biodegradable. Any fibers accidentally left behind at the oil spill site will not harm the environment, as they can be easily broken down. Environmentalists fear that other additives or materials used in the oil cleanup process could leave behind remnants that will further pollute the area.
Recyclable
Cotton is recyclable, granting it another advantage over other materials. Other fibers used will have to be discarded or burned, further polluting the environment. Cotton, on the other hand, can be washed and reused after the oil has been retrieved from it. However, the soaking ability of cotton does decrease with each use.
Can Soak up Fumes
Specially enhanced cotton, called Fibertech, can also soak up harmful fumes associated with oil spills. The cotton is treated with additional polymers that allow water to pass easily through it, while it captures all of the noxious elements found in oil. These polymers add to the absorbency of the cotton, allowing it to easily capture the oil so it can be transferred to a tanker. This additive is often applied to normal cotton fibers available commercially before being used to clean up oil.