Exploring the viability of Bentonite-amended blends incorporating marble dust, sand, and fly ash for the creation of an environmentally sustainable landfill liner system

Abstract

The development of effective and cost-efficient landfill liners is crucial to prevent groundwater contamination from leachate, safeguarding soil quality and the environment. Composite liners, particularly those combining bentonite with supplementary materials such as fly ash or marble dust, present a promising solution. This study delves into a comprehensive investigation of the physical properties of landfill liners composed of bentonite-fly ash and bentonite-marble dust mixtures through an extensive series of laboratory tests. The research systematically analyzes various proportions of bentonite with fly ash and marble dust, evaluating their impact on liner performance in comparison to Bentonite-sand mixtures. Physicochemical analyses are employed to understand the interactions and behaviors of these distinct substances within the amended bentonite. A wide array of physical properties, including Atterberg’s limits, compaction characteristics, free swell index, modified free swell index, California bearing ratio, cohesion, and angle of internal friction, are meticulously examined. Collectively, these properties offer a comprehensive overview of the suitability and performance potential of bentonite-fly ash and bentonite-marble dust mixtures as landfill liners, presenting a viable alternative to traditional bentonite-sand mixtures. The study reveals synergistic effects between bentonite and both fly ash and marble dust, highlighting their significant contributions to enhancing the physical traits of landfill liners. This advancement in landfill liner design holds the promise of effectively mitigating detrimental environmental impacts associated with waste disposal. While this study provides a robust foundation, it is essential for future investigations to prioritize long-term performance assessments and real-world implementation. Validation and fine-tuning of these findings are crucial to ensuring practical applicability and efficacy within authentic landfill construction scenarios. This holistic approach will contribute to the continued evolution and optimization of landfill liner design, addressing the pressing challenges of sustainable waste management and environmental protection.