Rio turns discarded salon hair into barriers that protect mangroves from oil
An environmental project in Rio de Janeiro is using discarded human hair from salons to create barriers that absorb oil spills in Guanabara Bay. Because hair is oleophilic, it effectively traps oil while allowing water to pass through, offering a sustainable solution for pollution control.
Why it matters
This innovative use of waste materials provides a low-cost, eco-friendly method for protecting sensitive marine ecosystems from industrial pollution.
When scientists have a will, there is always a way. In a shocking yet successful project, leftover hair from haircuts that is not suitable for wigs and would have gone to waste is now being used to prevent oil and other pollutants from getting into the water and the trees.In Rio de Janeiro's Guanabara Bay, a barrier made from human hair discarded by beauty salons is being used to prevent pollution. It can remain in the water for up to four months, according to a report by Euronews. The project is being helmed by Brazilian non-governmental organisation Fiotrar, founded by Mariana Robrahn.The principle behind the solutions is physical and logical. Each gram of hair can absorb about five grams of oil, and this capacity transforms an abundant waste into a containment material.
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