Influence of Nitrate Contamination on the Swell and Compressibility Characteristics of a Tropical Clayey Soil

Ojuri , O. O. and Akinwumi, I. I. (2012) Influence of Nitrate Contamination on the Swell and Compressibility Characteristics of a Tropical Clayey Soil. European Journal of Scientific Research, 87 (4). pp. 585-595. ISSN 1450-216X

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Abstract

This research work assessed the influence contaminated groundwater chemistry (especially nitrate contamination) on the volume change behavior during consolidation for a southwestern Nigerian clayey soil. 1-D Consolidation tests using deionized water and various concentrations of nitrate solution as the saturation/inundation liquid were performed on undisturbed clayey soil samples collected from Odi- Olowo Street (nitrate contamination prone area) in Akure, the capital of Ondo state, Nigeria. The compressibility/swell characteristics of the soil are influenced by nitrate contamination, as shown by the variation in the values of the coefficient of permeability, coefficient of consolidation, compression and swell indices (k, cv, Cc and Cs). This implies that the swell potential, magnitude and rate of settlement are affected. These properties directly influence the performance of shallow structural foundations. It was concluded that lack of chemical analysis for soil and groundwater in a nitrate contamination prone area before construction could lead to an overestimation of the swell and compressibility indices for the site. Permeability of the clayey soil increased significantly with increase in nitrate contamination, this portends the danger of emerging breakthrough of contaminants in the shallow contaminated zone through the underlying clayey layer to deeper confined aquifers being relied upon for portable drinking water.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics > School of Civil Engineering and the Environment
Depositing User:	Dr Isaac Ibukun Akinwumi
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2012 09:13
Last Modified:	12 Nov 2012 09:13
URI:	http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/763

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