Journal of Engineering Geology

Evaluating groundwater hydrochemistry in the Zarabad aquifer (Sistan and Baluchistan province) to determine the quality of the water for agricultural use

Masoumeh Nikbakht

In this study, the hydrogeochemical and qualitative status of groundwater resources of the Zarabad coastal aquifer in southeast Iran has been investigated. The decreasing order of cations and anions is Na⁺>Ca²⁺>Mg²⁺>K⁺ and Cl^->SO₄^2->HCO₃^-, respectively. The two most water type are Na-Cl (78%) and Ca-Mg-Cl (22%). The water type, chlorine-alkalinity index, ion ratios, and position of the samples on the Gibbs diagram show that cation exchange (direct and reverse), weathering of silicates and evaporites, and seawater intrusion are the main controlling processes of water chemistry. The ionic ratios of SO₄^2-/Cl^-, B/Cl^-, and Na⁺/Cl^- indicate that saltwater infiltration increases as the distance from the Rabach River increases, particularly in the northwest and southeast regions. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of water resources. Moreover, the water quality for agricultural use is assessed based on some indices, including electrical conductivity (EC), sodium percentage (Na%), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), magnesium absorption ratio (MAR), permeability index (PI), Kelly’s ratio (KR), and USSL and Wilcox diagrams. The results showed that about 60% of the samples had unsuitable quality for irrigation. These samples were located in the northwestern and southeastern parts of the plain. About 40% of the samples have suitable quality for irrigation and are located in the vicinity of the Rabach River.

Potential evaluation of acid mine drainage production by coal washing wastes: A case study of Mehmandoost plant, NW Damghan

Giti Forghani Tehrani

Acid mine drainage (AMD) as the most important environmental issue in mining sites is considered a significant source of environmental pollution. AMD is typically produced by the oxidation of sulphide minerals, especially pyrite. The present study aims to investigate the acid production potential of the wastes of Mehmandoost coal washing plant located in NE Damghan. For this purpose, mineralogical, geochemical, and statistic tests were carried out on 7 representative coal washing waste samples. The obtained results show that although coal washing wastes are not enriched in Cu and Mn, they are moderately enriched in Ni and Co, significantly enriched in Cr, Sb and Zn, strongly enriched in Cd and As, and extremely enriched in Pb and Mo. The main mineral phases presented in the studied samples include quartz, muscovite, clinochlore, kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite, calcite and pyrite. In most of the studied samples, the pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the saturated paste is <3 and > 2000 μm/cm, respectively. Moreover, in most samples the Net Neutralization Potential (NNP) is < -20. Also, in most of the samples, the Net Acid Production Potential (NAPP) is positive and the Neutralization Potential ratio (NPR) is < 3. The pH of Net Acid Formation (NAG pH) of these samples is < 4.5 and the ratio of Acid Neutralization Capacity to Maximum Acid Potential Acidity (ANC/MPA) is < 1. According to the results of static tests, there is a possibility of production of acidic drainage by the studied samples, therefore, taking suitable management measures to control acid production in the area is of crucial importance.

Investigating the engineering hydrogeomorphological characteristics of the Gian catchment and river of Nahavand in the Hamadan province

Davood Fereidooni

Assessing and understanding the hydromorphological characteristics are necessary to understand the behavior of a river and its active processes. This is useful for understanding the erosion and sedimentation regime and changing the river path, for making correct engineering and human activities in the river's catchment area. The Gian River, with an average annual discharge of 2.3 m³/s, is one of the tributaries of the Gamasiab River in the Hamedan province. From a geological and hydrogeomorphological point of view, the Gian is a small river. It is fully compatible with the geological structures of the region. The calculation of the sinusoidal coefficient has shown that this river is a meandering river whose wavelength, the amplitude of the oscillation and the width of the meander belt are smaller in the mountainous area than in the plain area The gradient of the river bed is relatively low and it is classified as an erosion and sedimentation river in its different sections. The Gian River has a rocky bed in the mountainous part and an alluvial bed in the plain. The Gian River has a small catchment area, and, according to theGravelius' coefficient, its shape is almost elongated. The catchment elevation of the Gian River is between 1455 and 2700 with a weighted average of 1715.20 m.a.s.l. and its area decreases with the increase in the elevation. The concentration time of the catchment is 4.204 hours. The application of the data and results of the research can be very effective in land use planning, engineering and executive applications to predict river changes and protect engineering structures such as roads, bridges, coastal structures and railways, protect agricultural lands in the region and develop tourism.

The effect of pumice on the geotechnical properties of sodium salty silty soil

Rouzbeh Dabiri

Silty soils containing sodium content, known as salty silty soils, are classified as another type of problematic soil. When this type of soil comes into contact with water, it can swell and diverge, leading to settlement and deformation. Considering that a significant part of the Urmia Lake basin and the Tabriz plain consists of sodium-rich fine soils, the aim of the project is to improve the quality of the soils. Therefore, one of the main objectives of this study is to assess the sediments within the lake bed in order to reduce erosion and to evaluate the possibility of improving and stabilizing the sodium saline silty soils in the area using the geopolymerization technique. To achieve this, pumice material with pozzolanic properties was separately mixed with the soil under investigation at weight percentages of 3%, 5% and 7%, together with a calcium hydroxide solution as a catalyst at concentrations of 2%, 5% and 7%. The samples were then cured for one day. Laboratory tests, including compaction, uniaxial compressive strength, direct shear, and consolidation, were carried out to evaluate the geotechnical behavior of the improved soil. The results obtained indicate that the combination of 3% pumice with 2% calcium hydroxide increased the uniaxial compressive strength of the stabilized sample by 1.32 times after one day of curing. In addition, the mixture of 7% pumice with 2% calcium hydroxide significantly improved the internal friction angle by 20 times. Finally, the combination of 7% pumice with 2% calcium hydroxide reduced the value of free swelling potential by up to 86%.

Review article: Investigating guar gum biopolymer as a green additive for soil improvement in geotechnical applications

ali neysari tabrizi

In recent years, the use of environmentally friendly microorganisms and biopolymers in geotechnical activities, especially in soil improvement, has received much attention. This is in order to reduce the harmful environmental effects caused by the use of traditional and industrial materials, including cement. Therefore, it seems to be necessary to study the effects of environmentally friendly biopolymers from different points of view, including environmental issues, soil erosion and the factors that influence the geotechnical parameters of the different deposits. The purpose of this article is to review the studies carried out on the use of guar gum. As a green additive from an environmental point of view and the factors that influence the mechanical parameters of soils treated with this biopolymer. The advantages and disadvantages of guar gum from an environmental point of view, as well as the effects of this additive on different soils, are the subject of discussion. Geotechnical parameters such as the unconfined compressive strength, the shear strength, the erosion resistance and the durability of the soils treated with guar gum will be evaluated. The influence of the guar gum parameters in relation to the concentration of the biopolymer guar gum, the moisture conditions, the temperature and the processing time will then be discussed. Finally, the potential opportunities and challenges for the use of guar gum in the geotechnical field will be presented.