Biogeochemical Clogging of Permeable Reactive Barriers in Acid-Sulfate Soil Floodplain
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 146, Issue 5
Abstract
Column experiments that investigate the use of calcitic limestone as a potential material for permeable reactive barriers (PRBs), as well as its clogging behavior, are conducted under conditions that involve continuous acidic flow containing Al, Fe, and acidophilic bacteria. Results show that nonhomogenous biogeochemical clogging occurred toward the outlet, resulting in a 45% reduction of hydraulic conductivity at the inlet and 10% reduction at the outlet after the bicarbonate buffering period. A mathematical model developed to capture the reductions in longevity is presented. The model, which considers the effects of time-varying porosity, hydraulic conductivity, and head at a particular point on the horizontal flow path, is used for assessing the effect of coupled clogging in a calcitic porous medium.
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Data Availability Statement
Experimental data used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request.
Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful for funding received from the Australian Research Council (ARC) during the year to support research in this area. Continuous support and assistance from industry partners is highly appreciated, with special thanks to, Glenys Lugg from Manildra Group and Paul Amidy from Glencore. The authors are thankful to Dr. Helen Watling for her support in microbial experiments. Omya Australia, Ltd., is also acknowledged for their support in providing the limestone for tests. The authors would like to acknowledge the use of facilities within the UOW Electron Microscopy Centre. The efforts of UOW technical staff and more than a dozen past Ph.D. and Honours thesis students’ research work in the field of acid-sulfate soils are gratefully acknowledged.
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Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 146 • Issue 5 • May 2020
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©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Apr 30, 2019
Accepted: Oct 30, 2019
Published online: Mar 5, 2020
Published in print: May 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Aug 5, 2020
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