Effect of Acid Contamination on the Geotechnical Properties of Cohesive Soils from Oke-Ejigbo area of Abeokuta, South-western Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental degradation is a threat to the ecosystem and natural resources. The research investigated the effects of hydrochloric acid contamination on the geotechnical properties of cohesive soils obtained from Oke-Ejigbo area of Abeokuta, South-western Nigeria. The materials used are hydrochloric acid as contaminant, red clay (RCA) and white clay (WCA) soils respectively. The results of optimum moisture content, maximum dry densities, California bearing ratio and unconfined compressive strength of RCA and WCA subjected to 60 days acidic contamination period are (14.88 and 16.21%), (18.30 and 17.93 kN/m³), (5.93 and 11.29%), (89.81 and 87.54 kN/m³) respectively. The acid-soil interaction reduces the geotechnical properties of the cohesive soil samples with an increase in the period of contamination. Furthermore, the contamination period directly affects the strength of the soils due to the change in soil plasticity and structure caused by the pollutant.