Sand Research Articles

Impact of differential settlement on leakage through geomembranes in waste covers

To quantify the effects of differential settlement on leakage through a geomembrane (GMB) hole in waste (landfill/mine tailings) covers, field experiments were conducted at Queen's University Experimental Liner Test Site on two sections, each with a 4H : 1V slope. Over 13 months, measurements showed that a 3 m × 2 m × 0.12–0.17 m depression in Section B led to a 51-fold increase in leakage when compared to Section A, which had no such depression (493 l vs 11.1 l). Notably, in Section B, 284 mm of precipitation between November and February resulted in 281 l of leakage, whereas 537 mm of precipitation between June and September led to a mere 142 l of leakage. A 3D numerical investigation provides encouraging agreement with the experimental measurements and confirms a counterintuitive 43% increase in leakage with a decrease in the temperature of cover sand from 21.9°C to 1°C, due to the influence of temperature-dependent viscosity on the hydraulic conductivity of the cover soil. This paper offers insights for optimizing waste cover design and inspection procedures to mitigate the challenges of contaminant control.

Revisiting a proof of concept in quartz-OSL bleaching processes using sands from a modern-day river (the Séveraisse, French Alps)

Conditions of sediment transport and deposition in highly dynamic fluvio-glacial environments enhance incomplete bleaching of luminescence signals during sunlight exposure. Whatever the geomorphic context or application, partial bleaching has been widely reported and remains a methodological limitation for application of Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating methods, potentially resulting in sediment-burial age overestimation. This study focuses on the highly dynamic Séveraisse River (SW French Alps) where modern-day alluvial sands of a braided reach were sampled to assess the degree of quartz-OSL partial bleaching associated with superficial pre- and post-deposition geomorphic processes. Our original approach combines (i) a photogrammetry-based survey, (ii) sediment grain-size analysis, and (iii) measurements of both portable OSL luminescence signals and conventional quartz OSL equivalent doses in modern superficial (from 0.1 to 1 cm) and sub-surface (up to 30 cm) alluvial sands exposed to sunlight for at least 19 days. Our results show high but spatially variable residual luminescence signals at the surface, measured in all grain-size fractions with both the portable luminescence reader (≥5 x106 cts/g) and conventional quartz-OSL doses (≥80 Gy), even within the uppermost millimetres of the exposed alluvial surface. Our data thus highlight poor luminescence bleaching in the Séveraisse's modern sands, during both pre-depositional transport and post-depositional exposure. In addition, our study reveals, for the first time, the significant sunlight attenuation over a few millimetres within modern alluvial sediments, perhaps conditioned by dark sand grains, and/or by superficial blanketing by silts (i.e. waning flow stage) that leads to a porosity decrease and very low sunlight penetration. We suggest the occurrence of a critical sediment layer (i.e. only a few mm thick) that could play a key role in bleaching processes for alluvial surfaces, with strong implications for our understanding of residual doses in braided systems' sandy deposits and the dynamics of such alluvial surfaces.

Dual corrosion promotion of pipeline steel in sea mud induced by sulfate reducing bacteria: Bacteria concentration cell and electronic conduction of the biofilms covered sand grains

The microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of X80 carbon steel in sea mud by sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) was investigated and two unique MIC promotion mechanisms in sea mud were identified. For carbon steel at the seawater-mud interface, difference in the concentrations of sessile cells enhanced galvanic effect between the regions in seawater and sea mud, with the carbon steel in sea mud serving as the anode. SRB in sea mud established significant biofilms on sand grains, enabling the SRB attached on sand grains to participate in the biocatalytic cathodic process of MIC by the contact between sand grains and metal.

Formation of secondary microplastics during degradation of plastics originating from the MV X-Press Pearl maritime disaster

AbstractThe MV X-Press Pearl maritime incident had a profound impact on the marine and coastal ecosystems along the west coast of Sri Lanka. Considerable quantities of plastic pellets, specifically nurdles or pellets measuring less than 5 mm and estimated at 1680 tonnes, were released into the Indian Ocean. A notable portion of these plastic pellets/primary microplastics (MPs), has the potential to degrade into secondary MPs. The objective of this study was to investigate and understand the degradation process of plastic pellets into secondary MPs under the extreme conditions of fire and exposure to chemicals during the MV X-Press Pearl maritime disaster. Beach sand samples were collected from 40 locations along the affected west coast of Sri Lanka, at both mean sea level and the berm. An additional 20 samples were collected for a background study covering the entire coastline of Sri Lanka. The Wet Peroxide Oxidation (WPO) process was employed to separate microplastics, and observations of secondary MP quantities were recorded. Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis was carried out to identify functional groups of MPs. The variance in average values of secondary MPs at mean sea level (large MPs (i.e. size > 0. 5 mm) = 33 ± 56 items per 1 mm2 and total MPs (i.e. observed through microscope under 40× magnification) = 61 ± 66 items per 1 mm2) and the berm (large = 61 ± 154 items per 1 mm2 and total MPs = 106 ± 165 items per 1 mm2) suggested significant dispersal of large quantities of MPs to other areas in the Indian Ocean with oceanic currents. The baseline average value of secondary total MPs in other coastal areas of the country was approximately 53 ± 66 items per 1 mm2. The positive correlation between large and total secondary MPs and plastic pellets pollution index indicates that a considerable amount of plastic pellets were degraded into secondary MPs within 6 to 8 days after the accident, under the influence of nitric acid and heat/fire. These secondary MPs are mainly composed of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), as identified by FTIR observations. Consequently, these lightweight polymers have the potential to spread across a wider region, posing a severe environmental threat on a global scale as a transoceanic marine pollutant.

Recovery of Total Heavy Minerals Using Judicious Combinations of Spiral Concentrators from a lean Grade Bramhagiri Beach Sand Deposit

Recovery of Total Heavy Minerals Using Judicious Combinations of Spiral Concentrators from a lean Grade Bramhagiri Beach Sand Deposit

Influence of Concentration, Surface Charge, and Natural Water Components on the Transport and Adsorption of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in Sand Columns.

Information about the influence of surface charges on nanoplastics (NPLs) transport in porous media, the influence of NPL concentrations on porous media retention capacities, and changes in porous media adsorption capacities in the presence of natural water components are still scarce. In this study, laboratory column experiments are conducted to investigate the transport behavior of positively charged amidine polystyrene (PS) latex NPLs and negatively charged sulfate PS latex NPLs in quartz sand columns saturated with ultrapure water and Geneva Lake water, respectively. Results obtained for ultrapure water show that amidine PS latex NPLs have more affinity for negatively charged sand surfaces than sulfate PS latex NPLs because of the presence of attractive electrical forces. As for the Geneva Lake water, under natural conditions, both NPL types and sand are negatively charged. Therefore, the presence of repulsion forces reduces NPL's affinity for sand surfaces. The calculated adsorption capacities of sand grains for the removal of both types of NPLs from both types of water are oscillating around 0.008 and 0.004 mg g-1 for NPL concentrations of 100 and 500 mg L-1, respectively. SEM micrography shows individual NPLs or aggregates attached to the sand and confirms the limited role of the adsorption process in NPL retention. The important NPL retention, especially in the case of negatively charged NPLs, in Geneva Lake water-saturated columns is related to heteroaggregate formation and their further straining inside narrow pores. The presence of DOM and metal cations is then crucial to trigger the aggregation process and NPL retention.

Stripping Mechanism of Surfactant System Based on Residual Oil on the Surface of Sand-Conglomerate Rocks with Different Grain Size Mineral Compositions.

During the development of a sand-conglomerate reservoir, there is a huge variation in rock grain size and different åmineral compositions of different-sized sand grains. The mineral composition and microstructure of the rock both have an impact on the characteristics of the remaining oil in the reservoir. The stripping mechanism of a surfactant system on sand-conglomerate surface crude oil with varied grain size minerals was explored in this paper. Sand-conglomerate was classified and analyzed to determine their wettability and stripping oil effects. The optimization of the surfactant solution system and molecular dynamics simulation revealed the surfactant stripping mechanism on crude oil on distinct sandstone minerals. The results of the study showed that montmorillonite minerals are more readily adsorbed by surfactants. The crude oil within them is more likely to compete for adsorption and to be stripped off, and then extracted with the recovery fluid. The surfactant solution system can increase the hydrophilicity of the rock surface, make the crude oil on the rock surface shrink and gather, and enhance the transportation ability of the displacement fluid. And the emulsification seals part of the pore in the reservoir, increases the displacement pressure, and improves the overall wave volume. The results of this paper are of great significance for the efficient development of sand-conglomerate reservoirs.

Theoretical Hydrodynamic Modeling of the Fluidized Bed Photoreactor (FBP) Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): Fluidization Conditions for TiO2-CuO Immobilized on Beach Sand Granules

The flow regime is essential in the photoreactor’s performance in pollutant degradation in the aqueous medium, especially in fluidized systems. Therefore, this study is focused on determining the fluidization conditions of a granular catalyst based on TiO2-CuO nanoparticles (1 wt.% CuO) immobilized on beach sand granules using an FBP photoreactor. COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 was employed for inlet velocities between 0.1 m/s and 1.0 m/s, mainly from the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) turbulence model and the Stokes drag law. The results indicated that the average velocities in the annular section are much higher (4.11ut and 5.42ut) than the required particle terminal velocity. Moreover, the pressure contour lines revealed that these flow velocities do not represent excessive pressures in the concentric cylinders, with maximum gauge pressures of 740.52 Pa and 1310 Pa for inlet velocities Uo=0.75 and 1.0 m/s, respectively. Finally, it was determined that the Reynolds number adjusted (Repf) values lower than or equal to 1.37×10−3 allow high fluidization after 2 seconds. This information makes it possible to adapt and assemble the FBP equipment for future photocatalytic evaluation.

Study on Identification Method of Sand Production Type in Unconsolidated Sandstone Reservoir

Sand production refers to the phenomenon in the production process of an oilfield where sand grains from the formation flow into the wellbore and block the flow channels due to excessive production pressure differential, loose cementation of rocks, and other reasons. The sand production from formations is influenced by various factors and exists in multiple forms simultaneously: based on the microstructure of weakly cemented sandstone, the rock particles of sandstone are classified into skeletal sand and loose sand. However, existing research methods can only study the mechanism of sand production from loosely cemented sandstone from a macroscopic perspective. In order to achieve a refined classification of sand production types from loosely cemented sandstone during water flooding processes, this study proposes an experimental method for identifying the types of sand production from loosely cemented sandstone reservoirs. While quantitatively calculating the types of sand production from loosely cemented sandstone reservoirs, this method also fundamentally reveals the microscopic mechanism of sand production from loosely cemented sandstone reservoirs, obtaining accurate analytical results of sand production types.

Byrd Ice Core Debris Constrains the Sediment Provenance Signature of Central West Antarctica

AbstractProvenance records from sediments deposited offshore of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) can help identify past major ice retreat, thus constraining ice‐sheet models projecting future sea‐level rise. Interpretations from such records are, however, hampered by the ice obscuring Antarctica's geology. Here, we explore central West Antarctica's subglacial geology using basal debris from within the Byrd ice core, drilled to the bed in 1968. Sand grain microtextures and a high kaolinite content (∼38–42%) reveal the debris consists predominantly of eroded sedimentary detritus, likely deposited initially in a warm, pre‐Oligocene, subaerial environment. Detrital hornblende 40Ar/39Ar ages suggest proximal late Cenozoic subglacial volcanism. The debris has a distinct provenance signature, with: common Permian‐Early Jurassic mineral grains; absent early Ross Orogeny grains; a high kaolinite content; and high 143Nd/144Nd and low 87Sr/86Sr ratios. Detecting this “fingerprint” in Antarctic sedimentary records could imply major WAIS retreat, revealing the WAIS's sensitivity to future warming.

Physical and chemical techniques for a comprehensive characterization of river sediment: A case of study, the Moquegua River, Peru

River sediment is comprised of complex mineral systems composed by different kinds of organic and inorganic matter, and thus, is difficult to characterize. Besides, some standard techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), optical and scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, inductively couple plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and simultaneous Thermogravimetric Analysis – Differential Thermal Analysis (TGA-DTA), Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetometry can provide substancial information about the compositional, physical, and chemical characteristics. In the current study, the versality of these methods is tested and the information provided by these methods for eight sediment samples, collected from the Moquegua River, Peru is compared. Qualitative analysis indicates that the samples consist of sand grains with different shapes, sizes, and colors coexisting with the presence of some diatoms. The chemical and mineralogical analysis reveal that the samples are composed mainly of silicon (Si), aluminium (Al), sodium (Na), potassium (K), aluminon–silicates, and carbonates, typical for river sediment. More detailed information obtained by these techniques include the discovery of adsorbed oxygen–hydrogen (O–H), carbon–H (C–H) and C, from organic matter, the thermal reactions and decomposition of the components, and the identification of the minor iron–oxides components. Further, other properties such as magnetic interaction are also analyzed in detail.

Fabrication and Characterization of Silica Nanoparticles from Beach Sand

Silica nanoparticles (SNPs) have many important applications including anti-reflection coating, self-cleaning surface and drug carriers. They are usually synthesized from the commercial precursor such as tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). On the other hand, the natural silica can be found abundantly in organic materials such as rice husk and palm shell or in inorganic material such as beach sand and clay. Therefore, obtaining SNPs from the natural resources is very strategic for economic and technology considerations. This motivates the current study performing the synthesis and characterization of SNPs derived from the beach sand as one of natural resources available. Fort this purpose, the silica sands were mixed with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for 2 hours at 90⁰ C, prior to filtering process for gaining the sodium silicate solution (SSS) which was further refluxed with hydrochloric acid (HCl) of 3 and 5 M until its pH reached the value of 7, and finally dried. The characterizations carried out on the resulting SNPs included UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopies, XRD and SEM. The XRD study confirmed that the resulting samples are amorphous silica phase with the average crystallite size of 4.8 and 2.9 nm for the SNPs synthesized with 3 and 5 M chloric acid, respectively. The image analysis of SEM results revealed that the obtained SNPs have the average diameter of 11.6-12.00 nm. The formation of SNPs was further confirmed with the UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopies. On the basis of investigation results, it was shown that the desired silica nanoparticles can be successfully derived from the beach sand.

The effect of the freeze-thaw cycle and alkali-silica reaction on self-compacting recycled concrete

This article investigates the durability of recycled self-compacting concrete in relation to its resistance against freeze-thaw cycles and alkali-silica reactions. It explores the properties of fresh concrete, investigates the impact of various additives, and evaluates key factors such as spalling, weight loss, compressive strength, expansion rate, and ultrasonic properties in hardened concrete samples incorporating different levels of recycled aggregates. The findings illustrate the feasibility of achieving self-compacting recycled concrete by increasing the use of superplasticizers and adding 10% beach sand. Furthermore, incorporating 10% micro-silica and 7.5% wollastonite in the recycled mix enhances the strength of all samples, with the 25% recycled material sample demonstrating the highest strength and durability. Despite a decrease in strength and increased expansion as recycling percentages and freeze-thaw cycles rise, the recycled samples maintain acceptable durability. Additionally, this study employs the R programming language to elucidate the relationship between compressive strength and modulus of elasticity, offering valuable insights into recycled concrete performance and behavior.

Rediscovering the unusual, solitary bryozoan Monobryozoon ambulans Remane, 1936: first molecular and new morphological data clarify its phylogenetic position

BackgroundOne of the most peculiar groups of the mostly colonial phylum Bryozoa is the taxon Monobryozoon, whose name already implies non-colonial members of the phylum. Its peculiarity and highly unusual lifestyle as a meiobenthic clade living on sand grains has fascinated many biologists. In particular its systematic relationship to other bryozoans remains a mystery. Despite numerous searches for M. ambulans in its type locality Helgoland, a locality with a long-lasting marine station and tradition of numerous courses and workshops, it has never been reencountered until today. Here we report the first observations of this almost mythical species, Monobryozoon ambulans.ResultsFor the first time since 1938, we present new modern, morphological analyses of this species as well as the first ever molecular data. Our detailed morphological analysis confirms most previous descriptions, but also ascertains the presence of special ambulatory polymorphic zooids. We consider these as bud anlagen that ultimately consecutively separate from the animal rendering it pseudo-colonial. The remaining morphological data show strong ties to alcyonidioidean ctenostome bryozoans. Our morphological data is in accordance with the phylogenomic analysis, which clusters it with species of Alcyonidium as a sister group to multiporate ctenostomes. Divergence time estimation and ancestral state reconstruction recover the solitary state of M. ambulans as a derived character that probably evolved in the Late Cretaceous. In this study, we also provide the entire mitogenome of M. ambulans, which—despite the momentary lack of comparable data—provides important data of a unique and rare species for comparative aspects in the future.ConclusionsWe were able to provide first sequence data and modern morphological data for the unique bryozoan, M. ambulans, which are both supporting an alcyonidioidean relationship within ctenostome bryozoans.

Platinum-group-element minerals (‘osmiridium’) from Waratah Bay, Victoria, Australia, and a review of other reported Victorian occurrences

Minerals consisting of the platinum-group elements iridium, osmium and ruthenium (IPGE) are widely dispersed in alluvial deposits derived from ultramafic igneous complexes originating in ophiolite belts. Rock types, such as cumulate dunite–pyroxenite–harzburgite, and their serpentinite derivatives are especially fertile sources of IPGE minerals, which are colloquially termed ‘osmiridium’. IPGE minerals have been recorded from five localities in Victoria—beach sands at Waratah Bay, and stream concentrates from Turtons Creek, Stockyard Creek and Horseshoe Creek in South Gippsland. A grain of IPGE was recently found in a gully near the Dolodrook River further north. These occurrences are all poorly documented by comparison with the northwest Tasmanian deposits, and only Waratah Bay has provided enough material to enable full characterisation. Microprobe data show that all four minerals currently defined in the Os–Ru–Ir system occur at Waratah Bay, including rutheniridosmine. Gold and chromite are also present in the alluvial samples from Waratah Bay and Turtons Creek. Attempts to correlate compositions of alluvial chromite with those from likely proximal serpentinite source rocks proved to be inconclusive due mainly to inadequate representative sampling. However, the chromite compositions are broadly characteristic of those found in the early Paleozoic ultramafic ophiolite complexes in northwestern Tasmania, in which IPGE minerals and chromite are abundant. Regional aeromagnetic trends across Bass Strait suggest that the Victorian IPGE occurrences represent disaggregated and metamorphosed extensions of the Tasmanian sequences.

Experimental Characterization of Design Performance of Sand-Grained Asphalt Concrete for Worn Pavement

Most of the roads in Algeria are flexible pavements, the main component ofwhich is asphalt concrete. Asphalt concrete aggregates made from crushed stone are now expensive and unavailable near roads, favoring the use of local materials such as dune sand, which is abundant in southern Algeria. The aim of this work is to study therheological behavior of asphalt concrete, which is partially made of dune sand, as an alternative to crushed sand currently used. The effect of dune dosage on the rheological properties of concrete, in particular its compaction and rutting resistance, wasdetermined using several formulations. To this end, various asphalt mixtures were tested on different dune sand grains using the Super pave rotary shear compaction (GSC) test by means of a rotary shear press to quantify their effect on compaction. These same asphalt mixtures were used to manufacture inserts for rutting tests.According to the results obtained, very acceptable values of resistance to rutting were achieved with 05 to 15% of dune sands compared to the reference concrete.

Multiple Evolution Modes of Megaripples in the Qaidam Basin and Implications for Ripple‐Like Aeolian Landforms on Mars

AbstractAeolian landforms provide valuable insights into the planetary surface environment and its evolutionary history. In this study, the formation and evolution of megaripples in the Qaidam Basin and their relationship with the development environment are analyzed. By quantifying the wind environment, morphology, grain‐size distribution, sedimentary structure, and luminescence age of megaripples, we propose for the first time that there are multiple megaripple evolution modes. Investigation revealed that three evolution modes were responsible for forming megaripples in different equilibrium states: transient, stable, and metastable. Well‐sorted coarse sand grains accumulate on ridges and overlay poorly sorted fine sand grains to form transient megaripples. Stable megaripples have alternating sedimentary bedding of coarse and fine sand grains. Metastable megaripples have a secondary ripple formation on the surface. Throughout their formation, coarse and fine sand grains undergo regrouping. The response of coarse grains to the change in wind speed lags behind that of fine grains. This process controls the erosion and accumulation of megaripples and affects their size and sedimentary structures. The evolution mode, scale, and sedimentary structure of megaripples are influenced by the grain‐size range under the same wind conditions. The luminescence ages of the coarse‐grained megaripple sediments are less than 700 years. This study provides a fresh perspective on the coexistence of various sand ripples and transverse aeolian ridges found on Mars.

Estimation of Carbon Stock Due to Land Cover Change in Small Islands: A Case of Gili Matra Islands, Indonesia’s Marine Tourism Park

As a small island cluster, Gili Matra (Meno, Trawangan, and Air) is the main tourist attraction in West Nusa Tenggara. The trend of population growth in Gili Matra, as well as the trend of tourist visits, continues to increase. It needs to be more balanced between the demand for living space and developing tourism-supporting facilities. As a result, land cover changes are unavoidable, significantly reducing the non-built-up areas. Land cover changes have an impact on ecosystem and climate control functions. The signs of climate change in small islands, such as extreme weather, sea level rise, and coastal abrasion, are starting to be felt. The purpose of this study is to calculate the conversion of carbon stocks based on land cover changes in Gili Matra from 2013 to 2022. The analytical method used to land cover change and analyse carbon stocks. The research showed that the built-up areas increased from 126.84 hectares to 223.55 hectares from 2013 to 2022. Meanwhile, non-built-up areas such as sand beaches, plantations, bare areas, shrubs, and mangrove areas decreased from 576.56 to 479.84 hectares. In addition, mangroves, plantations, and shrubs, three examples of land cover with the highest carbon conversion, have decreased by 28.67%, 11.25%, and 6.36%, respectively. The total carbon stock on Gili Matra in the 2013–2022 period has decreased by 1,802.08 tons C. It indicates increased carbon emissions due to land cover changes in Gili Matra caused by increased demands on space for settlements and tourism support facilities.

Wave‐Driven Vertical Sorting of Density‐Varying Particles

AbstractIt has been recognized that the vertical sorting of polydispersed sand grains via the “Brazil Nut effect” can lead to inverse grading (upward coarsening) in the surface layer of a sand bed. However, the addition of nonnative particles not inherently observed on the beach, characterized by different densities and sizes, may complicate the vertical sorting processes and the fate of the nonnative particles. For example, olivine particles, which may be released on natural sandy beaches to facilitate carbon dioxide capture via weathering from wave action, have a density about 25% larger than the typical native sands. An Eulerian‐Lagrangian model, which couples Computational Fluid Dynamics for the fluid phase and Discrete Element Method for the particle phase was utilized to investigate how the so‐called “Reverse Brazil Nut effect” due to the larger density of nonnative (olivine) particles may be counteracted by the so‐called “Brazil Nut effect” for a range of nonnative particle sizes. Numerical simulations showed that the higher‐density nonnative particles tended to sink into the sand bed consistent with the “Reverse Brazil Nut effect”; however, the vertical sorting structure of native sand, driven by the “Brazil Nut effect,” also was a controlling factor determining the fate of nonnative particles. To maintain the presence of the nonnative (olivine) particles in the active layer of sediment transport, the higher‐density nonnative particle size must be larger than the mean native sand size found at the bottom of the active layer.

Wettability alteration of quartz sand using Z-type Langmuir–Blodgett hydrophobic films

This paper presents the results of a study of the effect of sand treatment on its filtration and wetting properties by applying Langmuir multimolecular film coatings of fatty acids. It has been established that the coefficient of water filtration through sand treated with a 2% solution of stearic acid in chloroform is reduced by 82%. It is shown that a change in the filtration properties of sand is associated with an alteration in the wettability of sand from water-wet to oil-wet due to the formation of oriented Z-type Langmuir–Blodgett hydrophobic films on the surface of sand grains. The effective permeability of sand for water decreases after the formation of hydrophobic Langmuir–Blodgett Z-type films and waterflooding becomes more effective. Treatment of sand with palmitic and oleic acids, as well as simple mixing of sand with a 2% solution of stearic acid in chloroform, has little effect on the filtration properties of sand. COMSOL multiphysics simulation of filtration process and oil displacement in treated and untreated sand with fatty acid was used.