Effectiveness of using sugarcane molasses and coal bottom ash on soil

Abstract

The presence of fertilizers in groundwater and soils can pose a significant threat to human health and ecological systems. The soil’s geotechnical characters are greatly influenced by interaction with the wastes discharged from industries, is a cause for serious concern to the geotechnical engineers. The study is conducted to determine the effect of sugarcane molasses in removing urea content from soil sample. Sugarcane molasses (SM) is a viscous, dark and sugar-rich by-product of sugar extraction from the sugarcane. The soil which is used has been procured from Mulanthuruthy block panchayat, Ernakulam, Kerala. The percentages of molasses used are 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% in terms of dry weight of the soil. The analysis of properties of urea contaminated soil is studied. The various soil properties are determined by conducting tests like Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) tests, Standard Proctor tests. Coal Bottom Ash (CBA) which is collected from the Thermal power plants in varying percentages (10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) is added to soil with 100% sugarcane molasses. Standard Proctor Test and Unconfined compressive strength test were conducted. UCS value increased with the addition of CBA. The maximum increment in UCS is obtained at 30% addition of CBA.