Canal Sediments Research Articles

The Impact of Various Organic Manures on the Germination, Development, and Growth of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

The Department of Horticulture at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam conducted the pots experiment during the 2018-19 growing season to evaluate the germination, growth, and development of okra using different organic manures. The study involved two varieties, namely Sabzpuri and Resham. Various plant characteristics, such as leaf count, germination index, fresh root biomass, root length, days until first flowers, and plant height were measured. The results showed significant differences across all metrics when comparing treatments with different organic manures. For okra plants grown with M1 (canal sediment + soil), the results were 39.16% with a germination index of 1.74, 6.98 leaves per plant, plant height of 25.05 cm, 58.16 days to flowering, 0.62 g fresh root biomass, 0.19 g dry root biomass, and root length of 22.67 cm. For okra plants grown with M2 (canal sediment + soil + sheep manure), the results were 75.0% with a germination index of 3.22, 9.83 leaves per plant, plant height of 28.83 cm, 41.83 days to flowering, 1.96 g fresh root biomass, 0.36 g dry root biomass, and root length of 32.24 cm. Okra plants grown with M3 (canal sediment+ soil+ fish meal) yielded 1.49 g of fresh root biomass, 0.27 g of dry root biomass, 16.05 leaves per plant, and attained a height of 30.83 cm. In comparison, okra plants grown with M4 (canal sediment+ soil+ bone meal) had a seed germination rate of 59.16%, yielded 12.77 leaves per plant, attained a height of 30.39 cm, and began flowering in 52.83 days. To conclude, M2 (canal sediment + soil + sheep manure) resulted in the most robust growth of okra, outperforming the Resham variety in terms of growth and development.

SOURCE APPORTIONMENT OF ATMOSPHERIC AND SEDIMENTARY PAHS FROM KOLKATA, INDIA USING COMPOUND-CLASS-SPECIFIC RADIOCARBON ANALYSIS (CCSRA)

ABSTRACT Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are major air pollutants that are ubiquitously produced by the combustion of organic materials, and it is extremely important to identify their pollution sources. In this study, molecular fingerprinting and compound class-specific radiocarbon dating (CCSRA) were performed on PAHs from canal sediments and air samples collected in Kolkata, India’s third largest city (population approximately 16 million), where PAHs pollution has been a serious problem. Average PAH (Σ12-parent PAHs) concentrations in air samples were 65.1 ng m–3 in summer and 70.9 ng m–3 in winter and in canal sediments were 32.7 µg g–1, which are classified as “very high-level” pollution. Molecular fingerprinting using methyl-PAH/PAH (MPAHs/PAHs) ratios and isomer pair ratios with molecular weights of 178, 202, 228, and 276 suggested that wood and coal combustion were the dominant sources of PAHs in the sediment, and that atmospheric PAHs were influenced by oil combustion in addition to them. The fraction of contemporary carbon (ƒC) of sedimentary PAHs (0.056–0.100), together with the extremely low MPAHs/PAHs ratio results, lead to the conclusion that the major source of the high concentration of PAHs in the canals is from coal combustion. On the other hand, the ƒC of atmospheric PAHs (0.272–0.369) was close to the share of biomass fuels in India’s domestic fuel consumption in 2011 (about 35%). Furthermore, the observed ƒC-discrepancy between atmospheric and sedimentary PAHs in the same urban environment was interpreted to give an insight into the loading pathway of PAHs to canal sediments in Kolkata.

Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) Distribution in Drainage Canal Sediments of a Low‐Lying Coastal Area

AbstractThis study examines the accumulation, distribution, and mobility of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in the sediments of a low‐lying coastal drainage network (Ravenna, Italy). The aim is to understand the geochemical processes occurring between drainage water and canal bed sediments and assess factors affecting and driving PTE distribution and enrichment in these environments. A geochemical database resulting from the analysis of 203 drainage sediment samples was analyzed using Principal Component Analysis and compared to undisturbed near‐surface sediment samples from the same depth and depositional environment. The results reveal PTEs exceeding national regulation limits. Distance from the sea, electrical conductivity of drainage water, and fertilizer use were identified as the main driving factors. The primary mechanisms for PTE precipitation (As, Co, Mo) and subsequent enrichment in the sediments is attributed to the absorption on Fe‐ and Mn‐oxyhydroxides (HFO and HMO), particularly in high salinity areas near the coast. While Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, and V also have affinity for HFO and HMO, their adsorption efficiency decreases due to the competition with salt‐derived cations during ongoing salinization processes. Anthropogenic sources, including agriculture, hunting activities, traffic dust, and railways, contribute to the local abundance of other elements (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Sn). This paper's significant progress lies in assessing the concurrent interactions of chemical and physical processes that drive PTE distribution and accumulation in reclaimed low‐lying coastal plains. The findings are significant for assessing PTE accumulation risks and sediment toxicity in coastal areas affected by water salinization, drainage, and subsidence, providing valuable information to water management institutions globally.

Effective sludge management: Reuse of biowaste and sewer sediments for fired bricks

ABSTRACT This study partially replaced the clay with sewer sludge (SS) and rice husk (RH-SS) to make fired bricks. The brick samples were examed in terms of shrinkage, water absorption, and compressive strength. Besides, they were analyzed via XRD and metal extraction to determine the heavy metal residuals in the products. The results showed that it was possible to fabricate fired bricks using sewer sludge or rice husk-blended sludge with up to 30% by weight. These brick samples complied with the technical standard for clay brick production, in which the compressive strength was more than 7.5 MPa, water absorption was from 11–16%, and the linear shrinkage was all less than 5%. The rice husk addition helped mitigate the heavy metal residuals in the bricks and leaching liquid, in which all the values were lower than the US-EPA maximum concentration of contaminants for toxicity characteristics. Implications: Previous studies have proved the possibility of mixing sewage sludge from different origins (sewage sludge, river sediment, canal sediment, sewer sediment, etc.) with clay and some wastes to make bricks. In which, mostof the studies used sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants, very fewdealt with lake/river or sewer sediment. This study shall be the first to study the possibility of employing sewer sediments with the addition of rice husk powder to achieve two targets, including (1) the reuse of biowaste and sludge for brick fabrication and (2) the reduction of heavy metals in final calcined bricks. Different ratios of the rice-husk blended sewer sludge (RH-SS) – clay mixture shall be tested to find the optimized compositions. The results showed that it was possible to fabricate fired bricks using sewer sludge or rice husk-blended sludge with up to 30% by weight, which meant reduce 30% of clay in the brick production. The final products were proved to meet the quality standard in terms of compressive strength (more than 10 MPa), water absorption(from 11–16%), and the linear shrinkage (less than 5%). Larger scale of this study can be an evident to recommend for policy change in the waste reuse in construction field.

"Effects of floating aquatic vegetation and canal sediment on phosphorus in drainage discharges in agricultural canals: A case study in the everglades agricultural area, Florida"

Phosphorus (P) discharge from agricultural and urban drainage is known for causing downstream eutrophication worldwide. Agricultural best management practices that are designed to reduce P load out of farms target different P species from various sources such as fertilizers leaching and farm soil and canal sediment erosion, however, few studies have assessed the impact of floating aquatic vegetation (FAV) on canal sediment and farm drainage water quality. This study evaluated the impact of FAVs on canal sediment properties and P water quality in drainage canals in the Everglades Agricultural Area in south Florida, USA. Non-parametric statistical methods, correlation analysis, trend analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to determine the relationship between FAV coverage with sediment properties and P water quality parameters. Results showed that FAV coverage was correlated with the highly recalcitrant and most stable form of P in the sediment layer (Residual P Pool). FAV coverage also correlated with the dissolved organic P (DOP) which was the smallest P pool (7 %) of total P concentration in drainage water, therefore FAV coverage had no correlation with farm P load. The trend analysis showed no trend in farm P loads, despite a decline in FAV coverage at farm canals over an 8-year period. Phosphorus content in the sediment surface layer was strongly associated with farm P load and had a significant correlation with particulate P (PP) and soluble reactive P (SRP) which constituted 47 % and 46 % of the total P concentration in the drainage water, respectively. Equilibrium P concentration assays also showed the potential to release SRP from the sediment layer. The P budget established for this study reveals that sediment stores the largest P mass (333 kg P), while FAVs store the smallest P mass (8 kg P) in a farm canal, highlighting the significant contribution of canal sediment to farm P discharges. Further research is required to evaluate the impact of sediment removal and canal maintenance practices that help reduce farm P discharges.

Anaerobic methanotrophy is stimulated by graphene oxide in a brackish urban canal sediment.

Anthropogenic activities are influencing aquatic environments through increased chemical pollution and thus are greatly affecting the biogeochemical cycling of elements. This has increased greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane, from lakes, wetlands, and canals. Most of the methane produced in anoxic sediments is converted into carbon dioxide by methanotrophs before it reaches the atmosphere. Anaerobic oxidation of methane requires an electron acceptor such as sulphate, nitrate, or metal oxides. Here, we explore the anaerobic methanotrophy in sediments of three urban canals in Amsterdam, covering a gradient from freshwater to brackish conditions. Biogeochemical analysis showed the presence of a shallow sulphate-methane transition zone in sediments of the most brackish canal, suggesting that sulphate could be a relevant electron acceptor for anaerobic methanotrophy in this setting. However, sediment incubations amended with sulphate or iron oxides (ferrihydrite) did not lead to detectable rates of methanotrophy. Despite the presence of known nitrate-dependent anaerobic methanotrophs (Methanoperedenaceae), no nitrate-driven methanotrophy was observed in any of the investigated sediments either. Interestingly, graphene oxide stimulated anaerobic methanotrophy in incubations of brackish canal sediment, possibly catalysed by anaerobic methanotrophs of the ANME-2a/b clade. We propose that natural organic matter serving as electron acceptor drives anaerobic methanotrophy in brackish sediments.

Urban Sewage Canal sediment in Kolkata Metropolis (India) is a potent producer of greenhouse gases

The large network of sewage canals criss-crossing Kolkata Metropolis carry considerable sewage load of about 4.5 million people. In an incubation study, substantial carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) production were observed in sediment samples collected from the canal bed at five sites, located at city outskirt, urban slum area, industrial area, residential area and agricultural area. The maximum weekly total production of CO2 and CH4 were 201.6, 137.4 mg kg−1 sediment, respectively, while N2O production was 37.1 μg kg−1 sediment. This translated into maximum annual production of 28609.5, 19498.6 and 5.3 t y−1 CO2, CH4 and N2O, respectively, from the sediment pool lying within 0.30 m depth in entire canal network. The CO2-equivalent (100-year time horizon) production in the sediment of canal network was estimated to be 0.56 Tg y−1. The estimated productions underline the chances of substantial emissions of CO2, CH4 and N2O from such large urban sewage canal networks. Sewage canals as GHG source remains under-represented in greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories due to lack of understanding and data on GHG production in canal sediments and their potential subsequent emissions. This study highlights that sewage canals deserve serious consideration in the preparation of GHG budgets in regions hosting large network of sewage canals.

Gowanus Canal Superfund Site. V: Evaluation of ISS Cylinder Sample Crusts Formed During EPA 1315M Testing

The main purpose of treatability testing is to tailor a proposed remedial approach and related testing to site-specific conditions to ensure the maximum possible applicability of the bench-scale results at the full scale, and thus the success of the approach. One such adaption involves the use of modified (“M”) EPA 1315 tests to assess the leaching of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under simulated brackish-water conditions to provide insights into the mass transfer rates that result from the in situ stabilization/solidification (ISS) of sediments at coastal sites heavily impacted by nonaqueous-phase liquids (NAPLs). As shown in this study, the use of saltwater (SW) baths during EPA 1315M testing can result in the formation of surface crusts on ISS samples and mass-transfer reductions in naphthalene, this effect being very pronounced in Gowanus Canal sediments. At the same time, the pH of the SW bath can drop from greater than 11 for a corresponding deionized water (DIW) bath to approximately 8, thus enabling biological activity. The newly formed ISS sample crusts (primarily aragonite and brucite) were similar in many respects to crusts that form on concrete under marine exposure conditions, based on mineralogical and x-ray-based analyses. However, surprisingly, while some SW baths were shown to be biologically active based on gene-probing analyses, petroleum hydrocarbon degraders, when present, did not necessarily reduce the observed leaching rates. The authors concluded that, while the surface crusts do appear to be associated with mass-transfer reductions, to varying degrees, remedial design should conservatively proceed on the basis of EPA 1315M tests utilizing DIW baths only, and any crusts potentially occurring under field conditions constitute an inherent benefit.

Repurposing Dredged Canal Sediment for Topsoil at Bowling, Scotland

The aim of the SURICATES (Sediment Uses as Resources in Circular And Territorial EconomieS) Project is to increase sediment reuse for erosion and flood protection. To investigate potential opportunities to reuse dredged sediments as topsoil following phyto-conditioning, a pilot scale operation was undertaken at Bowling, Scotland. As part of normal maintenance, 550 m3 of wet sediment was removed from the Forth and Clyde Canal at Old Kilpatrick by Scottish Canals using a hydraulic excavator during September 2020, transported by barge, then transferred to a dewatering cell constructed in an old canal basin by lining with a geotextile break-layer and installing engineered drainage. Following initial dewatering, the sediment was sown with three varieties of grass, which each germinated and survived the winter. By March 2021 composite soil samples already met the BS 3882:2015 criteria for topsoil, other than for Zn levels, which reflected the locally elevated baseline values. This allowed the conditioned sediment to be used immediately as topsoil as part of the nearby construction of a long-distance cycle track following an old railway embankment. Following reuse, replicated validations of six grass or wildflower seed mixtures were sown in April 2021 and monitored to verify longer-term suitability as a landscaping soil.

Study of kabul river canal sediments for heavy metals status and its accumulation in wheat plant (triticum aestivum)

Canal cleaning is a routine activity on the canals diverted from the Kabul River. As a result, thousands of tons of sediment are removed as sludge and flushed back into the Kabul River. In Peshawar city, most people use this sediment as a soil conditioner in lawns. But the farmers are hesitant to apply it in agricultural fields. It is perceived that the sediment may be rich in heavy metal contents and, if used as a soil conditioner, may contaminate the food chain. To unveil the facts, this study was conducted with the aim of analyzing sediment samples for selected heavy metals and their uptake and accumulation in different parts of the wheat plant. For this purpose, the sediment collected from Warsak Gravity Canal (WGC) was analyzed for total essential heavy metals including iron (Fe), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and Zinc (Zn). Wheat crop was grown in four different pots consisting of pure soil, pure sediment, and two amendments i.e. soil mixed with 25% and 50% sediments. In comparison to sediment, the soil samples were high in copper, cobalt, and Zinc concentration. The concentration of iron and manganese was comparatively high in pure sediment but within permissible limits. The heavy metals uptake by the wheat crop was also within the permissible limits. The highest accumulation of copper, iron, and Zinc was observed in the roots of wheat plants. The highest value of cobalt was observed in the seed (0.407 mg Kg-1), which was within the safe range. Therefore, it is concluded that the sediment of the Kabul River canal cannot be considered a source of pollution in terms of heavy metals and can be used as a soil conditioner.

Exploring the potential of artificial intelligence techniques in prediction of the removal efficiency of vortex tube silt ejector

A vortex tube silt ejector is a curative hydraulic structure used to remove sediment deposits from canals and is recognized as one of the most efficient substitutes for physically removing canal sediment. The spatially varied flow in the channel and the rotational flow behavior in the tube make the silt removal process complex. It is even harder to accurately predict the silt removal efficiency by traditional models accurately. However, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning approaches have emerged as robust substitutes for studying complex processes. Therefore, this research makes use of AI approaches; support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), random tree (RT), and multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS) to compute the vortex tube silt ejection efficiency using the laboratory data sets. The outcomes of the artificial intelligence (AI)-based techniques also were compared with traditional models. It was found that the RT model (root mean square error, RMSE = 2.165, Nash Sutcliffe efficiency, NSE = 0.98) outperforms the other applied approaches which had relatively more significant result errors. The sensitivity analysis of the process depicts the extraction ratio as the key parameter in the computation of vortex tube silt ejector removal efficiency. The findings of the AI-based approaches discussed in the current study might be helpful for hydraulic engineers as well as researchers in the assessment of the removal efficiency of vortex tube silt ejectors.

Exploring the canal environment in terms of water, bed sediments and vegetation in a reclaimed floodplain of Northern Italy

The Po plain (Italy) is one of the largest floodplains in Europe that needs environmental restoration. To achieve this goal, the knowledge of the ‘environment’ (water, bed sediments and vegetation) of the canals crossing such floodplain is necessary. The water flow of the canals was kept low for hydraulic safety purposes from October to March (NIR), and high for irrigation purposes from April to September (IR). Within this framework, this study aimed to assess in 9 sites of the east part of Po plain 1) the canals' environment quality in terms of vegetation diversity, and water and bed sediment physicochemical properties; and 2) how these features are influenced by canal managements and landscape properties. Water was monthly sampled both in NIR and IR periods, the bed sediments were sampled in summer and winter periods, while the vegetation was recorded in spring and autumn. The low water flow during NIR worsened the water quality by increasing the concentrations of nutrients and salts. A higher salt and nutrient concentrations were observed both in water and bed sediments of canals crossing areas with fine texture alluvial deposits than in those flowing through medium texture alluvial deposits. Further, higher nutrient and salt concentrations were observed for the canals used as collectors of the water coming from other canals. Despite the differences observed for the bed sediments and water quality, the vegetation type and biodiversity did not show differences among the study sites probably because affected by the land use of the surrounding landscape. Indeed, the canals cross agricultural land which limit the developments of natural vegetation and do not promote plant biodiversity. Overall, the present study found out the key role of landscape properties and canal managements on ‘canal environment’ quality which need to be considered to perform an appropriate reclamation of such environments.

Evaluation of sediment and water quality of Ismailia Canal for heavy metal contamination, Eastern Nile Delta, Egypt

Several environmental indicators were used to evaluate the water and sediment quality of Ismailia Canal for heavy metal contamination. The average concentrations of heavy metals in water and sediments (μg/L and μg/g) were Pb (1.36–31.78), Fe (0.95–5124), Ni (0.45–32.14), Cu (0.34–32.64), Zn (0.28–117.77), Co (0.078–29.40), and Mn (0.044–194.83), respectively. Based on heavy metal pollution index values, 75% of the sediment samples fell within low pollution, while water pollution index and water contamination degree revealed excellent and low contamination for all water samples, respectively. Single pollution indices of sediment indicated high contamination with Pb and considerable risk with Cd. The higher levels of metals in some samples might be originated mostly from anthropogenic sources related to industrial, agricultural, and urbanization activities along the investigated canal. However, Ismailia Canal sediments were unpolluted with metals, or no metal pollution and all average concentrations of the investigated heavy metals were less than the maximum admissible concentration of the world health organization.

Configuration of urban water eutrophication abatement systems using a novel regression-based optimization scheme.

A novel regression-based target-oriented robust optimization (R-TORO) framework is introduced to obtain robust designs of surface water eutrophication abatement systems during the early stages of urban water planning. The proposed framework can process a manifold of data for estimating the relationships of system elements and the uncertainty distribution of imprecise parameters, a novel extension of the canonical TORO framework. A demonstrative case study about an early-stage urban water infrastructure planning for abating Phosphorous (P) accumulation in urban waters is employed to demonstrate the R-TORO framework. The following system targets are considered: target cost and target water cycle sustainability index (WCSI). The findings show that the abatement of P accumulation in soil contributes the largest to WCSI. Consequently, the R-TORO-generated system design suggests the implementation of impervious local roads connected to sewers with improved P removal. The simulated/estimated performance of the eutrophication abatement system design obtained using the R-TORO are as follows: import of water=2.88 × 106m3/y; export of P=4.96 × 106gP/y; P concentration in recreational lake=0.04mgP/l; P concentration in canal system=0.30mgP/l; P accumulation in lake sediments=0.08gP/m2,y; P accumulation in canal sediments=1.18gP/m2,y; P accumulation in soil=0.01gP/m2,y.

IRRIGATSION KANALLARDA DARYO OQIZIQLARINING TARKIBIY QISMI TAHLILI

The article is devoted to the analysis of mechanical and chemical composition of river sediments in irrigation canals. Movement of river drains, which constitute an integral part of water resources, in the riverbed, hydraulic structures and on cultivated lands, forms a sort of a global cycle in nature. According to hydrological studies, only in the very bed of Amu Darya, it is possible to observe movement of a huge amount of runoff throughout the year. From the monitoring of irrigation channels used in Uzbekistan, it is known that for efficient and safe operation of many structures in an optimal mode, scientifically sound management and efficient use of river flows negatively affect the lack of methods and technologies, as well as effective solution of these issues does. Experiments conducted in natural field conditions helped to draw conclusions based on the study of mechanical and chemical compositions of river sediments along the length of canals.

Draft Genome Sequence of Streptomyces sp. Strain R1, Isolated from Water Canal Sediments, Possessing Antimicrobial and Plant Growth Promoting Capabilities.

ABSTRACTWe present the genome sequence of Streptomyces sp. strain R1, isolated from water canal sediments and possessing genes responsible for antimicrobial metabolites and plant growth promotion. The genome assembly contains 7,936,694 bp with 72.24% of guanine-cytosine content. This genome will provide basic knowledge of the genes and pathways involved in the above mechanisms.

Seed Germination, Vegetative Growth and Flowering Performance of Cockscomb (Celosia cristata L.) in Response to Different Potting Media

The experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Garden, Department of Horticulture, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan, during the cropping season March 2017 to May 2017. To estimate germination percentage, vegetative growth and flowering performance of Cockscomb (Celosia cristata L.) in response to different potting media. Aim of the research was to evaluate the best potting media and select the best segregating genotype of Cockscomb for superior performance on flowering traits. The trial was laid out in randomized complete block (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment consisted with two genotypes G1 (Amigo Red) and G2 (Prestige scarlet) were planted in different potting media T1 (100% Canal sediment), T2 (75% Canal sediment + 25% FYM), T3 (50% Canal sediment + 50% Coco peat), T4 (25% Canal sediment + 50% bagasse + 25% Coco peat) and T5 (25% Canal sediment + 70% bagasse + 5% Coco peat) in the earthen pots. Our present findings of genotype (G2) in potting media (T4) indicated highest seed germination percentage (87.50%), germination index (1.77), plant height (36.55 cm), seedling vigor index (3394.2), fresh weight of shoot (56.40 g), fresh weight of root (13.35 g), fresh weight of a single flower (16.97 g), days taken to initiate flowering (74.88 days), number of flowers per plant (5.05) and chlorophyll content of leaf (36.08%). To compare mean of the G2 obtained better results in comparison to genotype (G1). The interaction of the genotypes and potting media was highly significant in G2 from the plants grown in (T4) potting media. This study showed that based on the potting media performance of the Cockscomb genotypes found maximum performance in (T4) potting media at Tandojam location. Others potting media along with genotypes and geographical locations might be explored for future research activities.

Hydraulic Calculations of a Slotted Separator Using the SSIIM Program

Analysis of the results of the hydraulic calculations of a slotted separator, allowed for changes in the separator design taking into account the reduction of flow turbulence, ensuring the continuity of water flow and sediments as well as optimal location of the slots. The separator is an important element of the installation for hydromechanical removal of sediments from the bottom of a water reservoir. Tests were carried out on the physical and mathematical model. Hydraulic calculations and numerical simulations were carried out using the SSIIM (Simulation of sediment movements in water intakes with multiblock option) program. The program enables three-dimensional analysis of flows and transport of sediments in rivers and canals by solving the Navier-Stokes equation and the turbulent model k-. A number of numerical experiments of the separator work were carried out for various design solutions regarding the geometry of the inlet and outlet channels and their connection with the chambers as well as slots system. The numerical simulations and conducted research on a physical model, allowed to develop an optimal solution.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Low Carbon Binders Manufactured from Calcined Canal Sediments and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS)

This research study evaluated the effects of adding Scottish canal sediment after calcination at 750 °C in combination with GGBS on hydration, strength and microstructural properties in ternary cement mixtures in order to reduce their carbon footprint (CO2) and cost. A series of physico-chemical, hydration heat, mechanic performance, mercury porosity and microstructure tests or observations was performed in order to evaluate the fresh and hardened properties. The physical and chemical characterisation of the calcined sediments revealed good pozzolanic properties that could be valorised as a potential co-product in the cement industry. The results obtained for mortars with various percentages of calcined sediment confirmed that this represents a previously unrecognised potential source of high reactivity pozzolanic materials. The evolution of the compressive strength for the different types of mortars based on the partial substitution of cement by slag and calcined sediments showed a linear increase in compressive strength for 90 days. The best compressive strengths and porosity were observed in mortars composed of 50% cement, 40% slag and 10% calcined sediment (CSS10%) after 90 days. In conclusion, the addition of calcined canal sediments as an artificial pozzolanic material could improve strength and save significant amounts of energy or greenhouse gas emissions, while potentially contributing to Scotland’s ambitious 2045 net zero target and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in the UK and Europe.

EFFECT OF SOME SOIL AMENDMENTS ON YIELD AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE BY MAIZE PLANTS GROWN ON SANDY SOILS

Afield experiment was carried out during 2018 growing season in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. The experiment aimed to study the effect of different sources from sediment i.e., Nasser Lake (NLS) and El Shabab Canal (ECS) solely or in combination with natural fertilizers i.e., rock phosphate (RP) and potassium feldspar (KF) + vermicompost (Ver) on availability of P and K, yield and nutrient uptake by maize plants under sandy soil conditions. Application of Nasser Lake sediment mixed with RP+ KF in the presence of Ver. gave the highest vales of stover, grains, ear yield, biological yield and N,P and K-uptake by maize plants compared to different treatments. The application of nature fertilizers i.e., RP, KF and RP+ KF to NasserLake sediment and El Shabab Canal sediment increased available P and K in soil after harvest as compared to the untreated ones under application of vermicompost.