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Effect of Low Density Polyethylene (LDP) waste on physical characteristics of agricultural land
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to examine the extent of Low Density Polyethylene (LDP) impact on the physical characteristics of agricultural soil. The parameters that were studied for are temperature effects, bulk
density and total porosity. A rectangular portion of an agricultural land of homogenous area of 10m by 5m was selected and subdivided into two equal plots. While a plot was treated with LDP trashes, the other was left bare. The temperatures of the two plots were recorded in situ; the bulk density was determined using core method and total porosity was evaluated using empirical formula. The results show that temperature of treated portion with LDP increased faster. At 9am, it was 23.80C, after 2 hours, a 100C different was recorded and at subsequent 2 hours interval, 110C, and 140C differences were recorded respectively, the last 2hours (17pm) the temperature became constant. The soil classification
was loamy, the bulk density was found to be 1.21g/cm3 with total porosity of 54% before treatment. The bulk density of Plot A was 1.51g/cm3 with total porosity of 43%, while Plot B has bulk density of 1.91g/cm3 and total porosity of 55%. It was concluded that soil in plot A gained solar energy due to the heat gained by the LDP plus the original heat of the soil, hence, raising the soil temperature. The study recommends sorting of LDP from point of generation.
density and total porosity. A rectangular portion of an agricultural land of homogenous area of 10m by 5m was selected and subdivided into two equal plots. While a plot was treated with LDP trashes, the other was left bare. The temperatures of the two plots were recorded in situ; the bulk density was determined using core method and total porosity was evaluated using empirical formula. The results show that temperature of treated portion with LDP increased faster. At 9am, it was 23.80C, after 2 hours, a 100C different was recorded and at subsequent 2 hours interval, 110C, and 140C differences were recorded respectively, the last 2hours (17pm) the temperature became constant. The soil classification
was loamy, the bulk density was found to be 1.21g/cm3 with total porosity of 54% before treatment. The bulk density of Plot A was 1.51g/cm3 with total porosity of 43%, while Plot B has bulk density of 1.91g/cm3 and total porosity of 55%. It was concluded that soil in plot A gained solar energy due to the heat gained by the LDP plus the original heat of the soil, hence, raising the soil temperature. The study recommends sorting of LDP from point of generation.
