What is it about?
Aquaculture is practiced in many countries including India; coastal region of Andhra Pradesh is known for its intensive aquaculture farming. Sludge obtained from these farms was used to fill low-lying areas during summer. Aquaculture sludge (AS) is an organic material generated at the bottom of the aquaculture pond produced from shrimp effluents, chemical usage, unsustainable feed, minerals, and disinfectants. It is a polluting material that requires care and attention. This work aims to evaluate the effect of the mixing of aquaculture sludge on the geotechnical properties of clay subsoil. Plasticity, compaction characteristics, and one-dimensional swell consolidation tests were performed on expansive blended clays. The results of the swell-shrink behavior of expansive clays mixed with AS show a significant decrease in swelling phenomenon. Microstructural analysis of expansive clay and clay mixed with AS was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests to understand the surface textures, particle sizes, and chemical reactions. Microstructural analysis revealed the development of a crystalline structure with a C-S-H gel and CaCO3. In addition, it also shows the development of flocs and the aggregation of clay particles with AS.
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Why is it important?
the engineering challenges of expansive soils, particularly their swelling and shrinkage behavior due to moisture content changes, which can impact construction projects. Aquaculture sludge (AS) is proposed as a potential solution to stabilize expansive clays by improving soil plasticity, reducing swelling pressure, and enhancing structural integrity. The chemical reactions between AS and clays, including ion exchange and formation of cementitious compounds, are essential for soil stabilization. The study supports using AS in construction, aligning with sustainable development goals related to industry, infrastructure, and responsible resource management.
Perspectives
several perspectives on the challenges and solutions related to expansive soils and the use of aquaculture sludge (AS) in soil stabilization. It emphasizes the problematic nature of expansive clays, which are prone to swelling and shrinkage, posing risks to infrastructure. The text introduces AS as a potential stabilizer, enhancing soil properties through chemical interactions, such as ion exchange and flocculation, thereby improving construction durability. It also highlights the environmental and economic benefits of using AS, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote sustainability, responsible resource use, and infrastructure development.
Dr Gobinath R
SR University, Warangal
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Exploring the impact of aquaculture sludge on the swell-shrink behavior of expansive clays, Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, December 2024, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.cscee.2024.100897.
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