In an exclusive interview to the Russia television channel, scientists from KNRTU spoke about a new method for cleaning sand on Anapa beaches using dispersants.

The method proposed by researchers from the Institute of Petroleum, Chemistry and Nanotechnologies is simple and cost-effective. Water and a dispersant—surface-active substances—are added to the viscous black mass, which is then agitated. The fuel oil breaks apart and floats to the top, while the sand settles at the bottom. The micro-particles are fully biodegradable, allowing the sand to be returned to the beach or used in construction.

“As a rule, dispersants are surface-active substances of plant origin that do not harm either marine organisms or the environment,” explained Dmitry Kuryashov, Associate Professor of the Department of Chemical Technology of Petroleum and Gas Processing.

All components are of Russian production, and there is already significant interest in the project, with volunteers ready to adopt the technology. Alexander Paygachkin, a student activist from KNRTU, had earlier participated in the mechanical cleaning of beaches as part of the eco-movement “It Will Be Clean”. According to him, the issue is highly relevant, and the process of cleaning sand requires automation.