Abstract: Systems and methods to determine and ascertain the occurrence of an event are provided. The event can manifest its presence through transient signatures that alter short or long term background sensor registered signals. The system can include multiple sensors, one or more data recorders and data reporting devices. Event data from each sensor is collected, recorded and reported. Data from the various sensors is correlated to triangulate or otherwise localize the occurrence of an event. The sensors can be incorporated on a single device or can be a distributed set of independent sensors on separate devices that share their information with the data collection system.

Abstract: A system for cleaning up an oil spill and recovering the spilled oil includes frames supporting superhydrophobic oil-absorbing nanowires. A first container supports the frames with the nanowires. A mixture of oil and water is pumped into the first container where the oil from the mixture is absorbed by the nanowires as water is separated from the mixture and deposited in the first container where it is then pumped therefrom. A second container supports the frames with the oil so-absorbed by the nanowires. The frames with the oil so-absorbed by the nanowires are heated whereby the oil so-absorbed separates from the nanowires and is deposited in the second container. The oil so-deposited in the second container is then pumped therefrom.