Abstract: Sorbents are materials that can bind organic and/or inorganic substances, for example, oil hydrocarbons or heavy metals as a result of absorption and/or adsorption processes. A strong natural sorbent is peat affecting development of geochemical barriers for element flows and supporting development of natural trace element archives. Peat is characterised by a developed, complex pore system due to its main component – partially decomposed moss organic debris. The porosity ratio of peat is up to 95%, and the value of its specific surface area is usually greater than 200 m2 per g. Furthermore, the biodegradation potential of peat is undeniable, and it also has other notable advantages, such as low cost and availability. Equally important, peat is a relatively environmentally friendly substance, which can also be included in the category of renewable resources. Due to these characteristics, peat could be recommended for the production of oil and trace element sorbents. One of the possible ways of treating the polluted areas is the use of peat sorbents. We have demonstrated the possible areas of use of peat and its modification products for oil and other hydrocarbon sorption as well as for sorption of heavy metals. Peat is a prospective material for oil sorption because it has such advantages as low cost, biodegradability and relatively high parameters of specific surface area and porosity.

Brief Biography of the Speaker:
Maris Klavins graduated from the University of Latvia in 1979, doctoral dissertation defended in Moscow University (Russia) in 1985, but habilitation thesis in University of Latvia in 1993. Maris Klavins (professor, dr.habil.chem.) is head of Environmental science department of Faculty of Geography and Earth sciences, University of Latvia. M.Klavins is member of editorial boards of 6 scientific journals, member of 3 societies related to environmental chemistry issues and full member of Academy of Sciences of Latvia. M.Klavins has been leader of several projects related to the environmental issues mostly doing with environmental pollution and management, and quality of water, but including also political and social sciences and sustainable development science.