The use of industry by-products in the treatment of acid sulfate soils

Abstract

This research project investigated the use of a range of industry by-products as neutralising agents for treating acid sulfate soils in an effort to locate a cost effective alternative to commercial liming agents. To achieve this, relevant legislation was researched to determine performance criteria to be met by neutralising agents in treating acid sulfate soils. Three trial products were selected; two recycled concrete products and one concrete washout material. A leaching column experiment was carried out to test the effectiveness of these products as neutralising agents in treating an acid sulfate soil sample. A site specific cost analysis was conducted to determine the relative costs of using these products compared to using a commercial liming agent. The results showed that one recycled concrete product and the concrete washout material were effective as neutralising agents. However only the concrete washout material was comparable cost-wise with a commercial liming agent in treating onsite acid sulfate soils.