Geochemical tests to study the effects of cement ratio on potassium and TBT leaching and the pH of the marine sediments from the Kattegat Strait, Port of Gothenburg, Sweden

Abstract

Cement is a key construction material in civil and geotechnical engineering. However, its application for stabilization of marine sediments needs further investigation. This paper tests the effects of varied amounts of Portland cement added to soil samples on the leaching of tributyltin (TBT) from the contaminated marine sediments and evaluates the pH level. Identifying the best combinations of Portland cement / slag / Cement Kiln Dust (CKD) for effective treatment of soil samples is a central challenge in marine geotechnical investigations with major implications for stabilization of dragged coastal sediments. The paper aims to test the TBT leaching as well as pH level and potassium (K) content in soil samples. Materials included marine sediments collected from the seabed of the Port of Gothenburg, Kattegat Strait, southwest Sweden. The methodology applied the existing specifications of the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS) for geochemical tests of soil stabilized by Portland cement/slag/CKD. Leaching in soil samples was examined for 2.25, 9 and 36 days. Variations in the speed of decline of TBT leaching were noted depending on the ratio of Portland cement. The methodology follows the SIS instructions regarding the procedure of leaching tests: SS-EN 15863. Mixtures with pure Portland cement and cement / CKD gave pH values between 11.5–12 in the surface leaching experiments. Mixing of slag / CKD or slag lowered the pH range to 11–11.5 and 10–10.5, respectively. The leaching of TBT was affected by the changed amounts of seawater in the surface leaching experiments. The study shows that leaching reduces over time when the mobile fraction is being washed away and replaced by other leaching mechanisms and processes. Furthermore, in models in which leaching of TBT and potassium were assessed, there were, on average, changes in behaviour on the 9th day during the experiment time treatment and stabilization afterwards.