Tons Of Sand Research Articles

Microplastic detectives: a citizen-science project reveals large variation in meso- and microplastic pollution along German coastlines

Plastic production and plastic waste have increased to such an extent that it has become globally ubiquitous. Several studies already have investigated the meso- and microplastic pollution along the German Baltic and North Sea coasts, but were all limited to a few locations. To obtain representative bulk samples from sandy beaches along the entire German coast, we initiated a citizen-science project entitled “Microplastic Detectives.” Here, we describe in detail 1) how we recruited, instructed, and engaged citizen scientists, 2) why we chose bulk sampling over reduced-volume sampling, and 3) the laboratory methods we used. The citizen scientists collected 1,139 samples from 71 locations along the German coast, totalling 2.2 tons of sand. After drying, sieving with a 1 mm sieve, and visual inspection of the retained fraction under a binocular microscope, all putative plastic particles ≥1 mm were analysed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. 177 out of 1,139 samples (15.5%) contained a total of 260 plastic particles, with a large right-skewed variation among locations. Most of the particles were fragments, foils, foams, fibres, and pellets (96.2% in total), and 89.6% of the particles were made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and polystyrene. The unweighted mean pollution densities were 4.12 particles m−2, 0.17 particles kg−1 and 0.27 particles L−1, and the weighted mean pollution densities were 3.77 particles m−2, 0.11 particles kg−1 and 0.18 particles L−1. These densities are lower than in other similar studies, but previous studies had important methodological differences. We discuss how these differences could have influenced the results and make recommendations for improving future studies. Two important recommendations are 1) to use random or stratified random sampling and 2) to run transects perpendicular (rather than parallel) to the waterline. Our study highlights that large-scale, scientifically rigorous monitoring of meso- and microplastic pollution is possible at the national level, and possibly even at much larger spatial and temporal scales. With the help of local authorities, such a monitoring program could be established.

Experimental analysis of frost resistance and failure models in engineered cementitious composites with the integration of Yellow River sand

Abstract This study investigates the potential use of Yellow River sand (YRS) sourced from the lower reaches of the Yellow River in China as a sustainable and cost-effective substitute for quartz sand in engineered cementitious composites (ECCs). This region accumulates around 400 million tons of sand annually. The study evaluates the impact of different YRS replacement percentages (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) on mechanical and microstructure properties under freeze-thaw conditions, focusing on assessing the ECC durability during cooling cycles. The results show that YRS exhibits a smaller normal distribution of particle sizes compared to that of quartz sand and a 5.77 times greater specific surface area, affecting the ECC particle size distribution. After 300 cooling cycles, the R25 group maintains 97.5% of the initial mass and 79.4% of flexural strength, indicating superior durability. The R25 group also demonstrates a minimal decrease of 11.5% in equivalent bending strength, reaching a level of 104.4% compared to R0. The R25 group’s porosity is 30.80%, with an average pore size of 20.47 mm, showing 1.3% and 6.7% decreases compared to the R0 group. Additionally, this study establishes a failure progression equation using the Weibull probability distribution model, with calculated values closely aligning with measured values. Overall, this study recommends using YRS as a sustainable ECC material.

Determination of Clay and Sand Volume Using Vertical Electrical Sounding

This study presents the results of an electrical resistivity survey conducted in Agudama Epie, Yenagoa local government area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The primary objective of the survey was to estimate the volume of clay and sand within a rectangular land parcel measuring 100 m by 200m in the study area. The survey employed the Schlumberger electrode configuration and utilized nine vertical electrode sounding (VES) points.Data was collected using a Terrameter SAS 1000 and was processed using IPI2win software. The geophysical analysis revealed the presence of four distinct geoelectric layers across the study area, identified as layers 1 to 4 in the VES profiles. Layer 2, characterized by clay, exhibited an average thickness of 21.2 meters, while layer 3, consisting of sand, had an average thickness of 8.15 meters. The apparent resistivity values ranged from 8.45 to 79.43 ohm-meter to a depth of 10.14 meters for the clay layer and 8499.86 to 15013.11 ohm-meter to a depth of 33.5 meters for the sand layer. The study estimated a substantial presence of approximately 746,240 tonnes of clay and approximately 261,126 tonnes of sand in Agudama Epie. This discovery offers significant economic potential, including job creation, the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises, and opportunities within the construction industry. The local extraction and processing of clay can drive economic growth and facilitate the production of concrete and building materials. Additionally, the availability of sand in the region can reduce transportation costs and stimulate local construction projects, thereby fostering economic activity and infrastructure development.

Manufacturing of Bricks by using Waste Foundry Sand

The foundry is an industrial sector where various iron, scrap steel, and ferroalloys are melted down in arc furnaces or cupolas, shaped in sand, ceramic, or metal moulds, and the cast, steel, nodular, and tempered foundry products needed in industry are produced as raw or processed materials. Especially in establishments such as factories and workshops that produce parts of the automotive, construction, and machine and in steel industry, foundry sand is used to mould foundry products (iron-steel industry and aluminium- and copper-based alloys).Foundry sand is used to prepare metal foundry moulds. For 1 ton of production, 4-5 tons of sand is required. This ratio may be changed based on the type of the metal that needs to be casted, part size, and moulding technique. Sands that contain more than 90% of silica and 7–15% clay (bentonite or kaolinite clay) and have a sintering temperature of over 1500°C are defined as foundry sands. Foundry sand disposal is a herculean task for the industrial sector in today’s scenario. In order to overcome this problem to some extent, it is required to convert it into some useful products. Hence, this project gains its importance for the effective utilization of foundry sand into foundry sand bricks

The nationwide project "Green Space" is a means of stabilizing the ecological situation

All sorts of environmental problems are being observed around the world. According to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated November 23, 2023 "On measures to further increase the level of greenness in the Republic, to ensure environmental stability through the consistent implementation of the national project "Green Space"" the state of Bukhara The team of the Pedagogical Institute created a garden in the Moynaq District of the Republic of Karakalpakstan on the basis of the "Green Space" project, and about 2,000 seedlings were planted. This will have a significant positive impact on the environment in a region that has suffered from environmental problems related to the shrinking of the Aral Sea. Trees and green spaces play a crucial role in mitigating environmental problems by stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, providing habitat for animals and improving air quality. Efforts such as the Green Space project contribute not only to environmental protection, but also to increasing public awareness of the importance of preserving natural ecosystems. The roots of the saxovull are strong, one bush can hold up to 10 tons of sand and prevent landslides. The root penetrates deep into the soil and serves to strengthen the sand. According to the data, green coverings prevent sandstorms, and sand migration in the 3-year saxophone field is reduced by 55%, and by 79.5% in the 5-year period.

Aeolian Sand Erosion and Deposition Patterns in the Arid Region of the Xiliugou Tributary on the Upper Reaches of the Yellow River

Surveys show that rivers worldwide transport an annual sediment load of 15 billion tons into the sea, with the Yellow River Basin alone contributing 1.6 billion tons of sand. Therefore, understanding the wind and sand dynamics in the Yellow River Basin is crucial to ensuring the safe development of similar basins across China and the world. This study investigated the midstream wind and sand area of the Xiliugou tributary, a part of the upper Yellow River. Sand transport flux at 0–50 cm height on various underlying surfaces of the basin was measured using a stepped sand collector combined with an anemometer. Then, the amounts of wind and sand entering the Yellow River were estimated using a function model based on the measured factors. The particle size composition of wind-eroded sand was further analyzed to better understand the principles of wind and sand erosion and accumulation in the basin. The results show that the sand transport flux per unit area varies significantly across different underlying surfaces. The vertical change in sand transport rate on the basin’s surface shows that the total sand transport rate is an exponential function of wind speed. Based on this relationship, the total annual average wind and sand entering the Yellow River basin via the Xiliugou tributary was estimated to be approximately 8.09 × 105 t. Controlled by the basin’s unique geography, sand source, and human activities, the particle size composition of wind-eroded sand distinctly differs between the east and west sides of the river channel, exhibiting a “wind-blown mud and water-washed sand” pattern. The Yellow River basin still faces significant ecological security hazards. Understanding the coupling relationship between desert-basin-sand and wind is the foundation for effectively controlling wind and sand flow into the Yellow River Basin.

A policy approach for sustainable governance of sand mining activities in NW Kashmir Himalayas

Sustainability in river bed mining is emerging as a sensible yet unexplored area of research. This study assessed the socio-economic and environmental implications of mining operations in the River Jhelum of North-Western Kashmir Himalaya. To achieve the objectives of the study, surveys, focal group discussions, and questionnaires were used. Further, the high-resolution Google Earth imagery was used to monitor the distribution of mining boats correlated with extensive field-based surveys along a stretch of 150 km of Jhelum River. Manual counting from satellite data depicted that 2976 mining boats are currently operating in river Jhelum from the stretch between Khanabal to Boniyar involving manpower of about 17856 persons. The results indicated that ∼2273662.74 metric tonnes of sand are extracted from river Jhelum annually. Socio-economic analysis revealed that sand mining serves as a source of livelihood to ∼20000 families. Surveys and visual observations at mining sites revealed that the rampant riparian zone and mushrooming of in-stream mining activities have impacted river health causing erosion of river banks, flood plains, and pollution of the river ecosystem. This study offers a policy approach for sustainable governance of sand mining activities that pledge environmental protection with minimum regulatory costs and high levels of public cooperation.

Designing Self-Compacting Concrete Using Local Materials from the Arid Region of Adrar, Algeria

Abstract In the construction sector, the non-renewable world resource of sand is largely used to produce mortar and concrete. It has been estimated that over 10 billion tons of sand have been produced, with 1.2 billion tons used in concrete over the last decade, which leads to a progressive reduction of available construction materials and environmental impacts. Since desert sand resources are abundant in arid region of Adrar (Southern Algeria), it would be viable to use desert-sand as an alternative material for the production of self-compacting concrete. Therefore, self-compacting concrete is experiencing significant demand in that arid region since it offers socio-technical and economic solutions to stakeholders in the construction and public works industry. Furthermore, the present study aims to address the concerns of these stakeholders. The results obtained showed that the self-compacting concrete that was made with local materials, behave correctly, both in the fresh and hardened states. This concrete included a 1% super plasticizer dosage, a gravel-to-sand (G/S) ratio varying between 0.8 and 1.1, and additions of limestone fillers up to 50% relative to the mass of cement for self-compacting concrete made with dune sand, while this percentage could go up to 38% for self-compacting concrete made with corrected sand (63% crushed sand with 37% dune sand).

INFLUENCE OF THE SAND PRODUCTION ON THE WELL DRAINAGE AREA

INFLUENCE OF THE SAND PRODUCTION ON THE WELL DRAINAGE AREA

Modelling and Simulation of Building Material Flows: Assessing the Potential for Concrete Recycling in the German Construction Sector

The reuse and recycling of materials can make an important contribution to the conservation of natural resources in the sense of a circular economy. This applies in particular to high quality recycling, supporting the material use of waste and closing product cycles. The construction sector is the most important sector in terms of available volume of materials for recycling. However, the largest share of recycling (RC) materials goes predominantly into road construction and underground engineering. This research developed a dynamic model and used a simulation tool to calculate future building material flows in the German construction sector of residential buildings to explore the medium- and long-term potential for RC concrete. The results show that, by increasing the RC rate of concrete to produce recycled aggregates for concrete (RAC) from currently 1.5% to 48%, up to 179 million tons of sand and gravel could be saved until 2060. If the current maximum secondary input rate of RAC of 45% is increased to 70%, the savings could rise over another 66 million tons. If a secondary input rate of 100% is applied, RAC could completely fulfill the demand for sand and gravel for new residential building in Germany from 2045 onwards. The approval of RC concrete for more concrete strength and exposure classes is required to avoid a surplus of RAC and a rapid exhaustion of landfill capacities in the future.

Preparation and properties of bifunctional associative polymer with twin tail and long chain structure for shale gas fracturing

AbstractCompared with conventional fracturing, shale reservoir fracturing has the characteristics of 1000 tons of sand and 10,000 cubic meters of liquid. The concentrated reflection of the fracturing fluid is low friction and strong carrier which are required. A novel bifunctional associative polymer was synthesized by free radical micellar polymerization with twin tails and long chain hydrophobic monomers. The structures and characteristics of the polymer were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, DSC, SEM and AFM. Sand‐carrying of the fracturing fluid experiments shows when the quartz sand has a particle size of 0.3 and 0.6 mm, the sedimentation velocities are about 0.12 and 0.40 cm min−1, respectively. The drag reduction experimental results show that when the flow rate rises to 55 L·min−1, drag reduction rate can reach 68.1%. The polymer polyacrylamide has good shear performance, but the permeability damage rate is up to 16.10%.

Feasibility of sustainable construction materials for concrete paving blocks: A review on waste foundry sand and other materials

This study examines the feasibility of using various waste materials in concrete paver blocks to reduce consumption of natural resources, increased global warming and hazardous waste material generation. Exessive waste is generated from the construction, thermal power plant and industrial sector causing landfill issues too. Sand is the most demanding resource in the construction industry, there is a scarcity of natural aggregates due to rapid urbanization, an estimated 1.4 billion tons of sand will be required by 2020, compared to 630 million tons in 2010. Approximately 1 ton of cement produces 1 ton of CO2. Nowadays cement production is reached to 337.32 million tons in 2018–19 contributing 7–8% CO2 emission globally. These statistics show the graveness of increasing global warming, resource demand and environmental deprivation. Therefore, researchers are finding out alternatives to the construction materials considering the need and future scope of development through sustainability. The following materials are studied in this paper: Waste foundry sand, fly ash, GGBS as a replacement to cement and aggregates in concrete paver blocks. Various test results are mentioned like compressive strength, water absorption, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength and abrasion resistance test along with the optimum replacement percentage values of various waste materials which can be used to get better results. Studies showed cement can replace with 100% by fly ash in geopolymer concrete. GGBS can use upto 50–70%, Waste foundry sand upto 30–50%, 25% fly ash and 75% GGBS for better strength results also utilization of 45% waste foundry sand an 34% fly ash gives better compressive strength results. Reutilization of these materials will tend towards sustainable development through economic and green pavers.

Morphologic Response of a River Channel to Sand Mining in River Tyaa, Kitui County, Kenya

Over 40 billion tons of sand is mined worldwide every year which is estimated to be higher than the natural replacement rates. In Kenya, the rate of sand mining is raising concerns over its environmental effects since it is not regulated. This paper presents findings on the geomorphic effects of sand mining in the ephemeral River Tyaa channel in Kitui County. The study adopts the concept of feedback response mechanism of a natural geomorphic system. Through purposive sampling River Tyaa was selected for the study, where rampant sand mining was reportedly taking place. Random sampling on the five sand mining sites identified came up with a representative site namely Kanginga on which systematic sampling was applied while collecting data at both the active and control sites. Data on channel width, depth and slope angles was obtained through physical measurements while data on quantity of sand mined was obtained from Mwingi Sand Mining Cooperative. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyse data whereby the model compared active and control sites. Test results indicated that sand mining had significantly increased river channel’s width (O.R. =1.531), depth (O.R. =1.527) and slope angles (O.R. =1.634) at active mining sites compared to control sites as deduced from the respective Odds Ratios. It concluded that sand mining had altered channel’s morphology resulting to adverse environmental effects such as loss of riparian vegetation and channel incision. It recommended curbing of illegal sand mining through licencing operators and reducing quantity of sand mined by closing some mines. Furthers, it recommended monitoring through regular Environmental Impact Assessment (E.I.A) and Audit (E.A) to inform protection of the river system from degrading.

Material flow analysis for Norway’s artificial turfs

The artificial turf industry is a producer of waste in terms of plastic, microplastic and sand. It is the second largest source of microplastic lost to the environment in Norway, after wear of car tires, according to the Norwegian Environment Agency [1]. A new full-size synthetic football field contains about 100 tons of rubber granules as intentionally added microplastics. Maintaining these fields means refilling the turf with 3.5-6.5 tons granules each year due to a loss caused by the user, removal of snow, surface water runoff and degradation of the rubber granules. The turf also includes 4.8-12.8 tons of synthetic grass fiber, an underlying shock pad (PAD) and about 120-176 tons of sand. The total number of artificial turfs in Norway is approaching 2000, a number that has rapidly increased the last 20 years. Since the expected lifetime of a turf is around 10-12 years, it is soon due for a huge renovation process of existing turfs. The value chain of this complex product stock is not fully developed. This study analyses the material flow (MFA) of artificial turfs in Norway with a focus on the production of new turfs, refilling of granules in existing turfs, renovation of turfs and loss of grass fiber and granules. The results show that there is a significant amount of rubber granules and grass fibers unaccounted for, possibly lost to the environment. This is due to the current design, operation and maintenance of the artificial turfs. Therefore, there is a need for new design of turfs, new operations, maintenance equipment and procedures.

Event‐Scale Dynamics of a Parabolic Dune and Its Relevance for Mesoscale Evolution

AbstractParabolic dunes are widespread aeolian landforms found in a variety of environments. Despite modeling advances and good understanding of how they evolve, there is limited empirical data on their dynamics at short time scales of hours and on how these dynamics relate to their medium‐term evolution. This study presents the most comprehensive data set to date on aeolian processes (airflow and sediment transport) inside a parabolic dune at an event scale. This is coupled with information on elevation changes inside the landform to understand its morphological response to a single wind event. Results are contextualized against the medium‐term (years) allowing us to investigate one of the most persistent conundrums in geomorphology, that of the significance of short‐term findings for landform evolution. Our field data suggested three key findings: (1) sediment transport rates inside parabolic dunes correlate well with wind speeds rather than turbulence; (2) up to several tonnes of sand can move through these landforms in a few hours; and (3) short‐term elevation changes inside parabolic dunes can be complex and different from long‐term net spatial patterns, including simultaneous erosion and accumulation along the same wall. Modeled airflow patterns along the basin were similar to those measured in situ for a range of common wind directions, demonstrating the potential for strong transport during multiple events. Mesoscale analyses suggested that the measured event was representative of the type of events potentially driving significant geomorphic changes over years, with supply‐limiting conditions playing an important role in resultant flux amounts.

CHANGE IN RESERVOIR PARAMETERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPERATION OF DEPOSITS AND UNDERGROUND GAS STORAGE FACILITIES (BY EXAMPLE GARADAGHFIELD, AZERBAIJAN)

In the article, an analysis of the results of the study of the problem of deformation changes in rocks associated with the development of oil and gas fields and the operation of underground gas storage facility (UGS)was analyzed using the example of the Garadagh deposit / UGS in the South Caspian basin (SCB), taking into account world achievements. Based on repeated geophysical studies of wells, it was established that in the relatively short observation period (from 8 months to 2.5 years), the development of the VII horizon of the productive stratum (lower Pliocene) of the Garadagh gas deposit of the South Caspian Basin resulted in a decrease in rock permeability in the range from 1.2 to 4.9 mD at a pressure drop from 2.4 to 11.7 MPa. The relative decrease in permeability varies from 41 % to 56 %, the higher values of which are characteristic of highly porous rocks. It is shown that multiple cycles of changes in loads on the reservoir during the operation of the UGS also contribute to the development of deformation changes in the rock that lead to the destruction of the rock skeleton. Obvious evidence of objectivity of this process is the settling in the separator and the reservoir for liquid at the Garadagh UGS facility at the end of each season about 25-30 tons of sand, which is the product of the destruction of the underground reservoir rocks. This leads to irreversible changes in properties of the reservoir rocks, which are more contrastingly reflected in the change in rock permeability. Deformational changes in the formation caused by exploitation of deposit and UGS lead to reduction of productivity and injectivity of wells.

The Generals in Their Labyrinth

The Generals in Their Labyrinth

Performance of structural concrete with recycled plastic waste as a partial replacement for sand

Environmental concerns arising from the over-dredging of sand have led to restrictions on its extraction across India, with direct economic impacts on concrete construction. A suitable environmentally friendly alternative to sand must be found to match the huge demand from the concrete construction industry. At the same time, waste plastic is rarely recycled in India, with as much as 40% left in landfill. The dumping of such materials which degrade at extremely low rates meaning they persist in the environment is a long-term environmental concern.To tackle both issues, it is proposed to process waste plastic to create a partial replacement for fine sand in a novel mix for structural concrete. In this paper eleven new concrete mixes are evaluated to study five plastic material compositions, three groups of particle sizes, three different aspect ratios, and two chemical treatments and establish an appropriate choice of material to act as partial replacement for sand.The results show that replacing 10% sand by volume with recycled plastic is a viable proposition that has the potential to save 820 million tonnes of sand every year. Through suitable mix design the structural performance of concrete with plastic waste can be maintained. This preliminary work was supported through funding from the British Council under the UKIERI (United Kingdom India Educational Research Initiative) programme for the project ‘Development of structural concrete with the help of plastic waste as partial replacement for sand’.

Raising New Orleans: Historical Analogs and Future Environmental Risks

Raising New Orleans: Historical Analogs and Future Environmental Risks

Soil erosion and transport simulation and critical erosion area identification in a headwater catchment contaminated by the Fukushima nuclear accident

Radiocesium released by the accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011 contaminated a large land surface area. Due to the strong and size-dependent adsorption capability of soil particles to radionuclides, a better understanding of erosion and transport of soil particles and identification of erosion prone areas within watersheds are significant for contaminant management. For this purpose, we simulated soil erosion and transport in a partially forested catchment for multiple particle size classes. Critical erosion areas were identified by the spatial distribution of net soil erosion. Comparisons between simulated and measured suspended solids concentration at multiple locations throughout the catchment demonstrated successful model performance. For the period Mar. 12, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2014, model results indicated that 5500 tonnes of clay, 52000 tonnes of silt, and 22000 tonnes of sand are transported from the catchment. The results showed that soil erosion in the middle part of the catchment is greater mainly because of steep slopes and large fraction of agricultural lands. These simulations suggest that soil decontamination of erosion-prone agricultural lands in the mid- catchment areas would be effective in reducing radiocesium migration with soil particles.