Utilizing Na2CO3-activated waste materials for sustainable wind and rainfall erosion control

Abstract

Soil erosion poses a significant challenge to environmental management, threatening ecosystem health and sustainable development. Urgent action is required to implement effective erosion control measures within comprehensive environmental management strategies. This study investigates the effectiveness of sand crusts induced by Na₂CO₃-activated materials in mitigating soil erosion during various rainfall and windstorm events. The study evaluates the erodibility of Na₂CO₃-activated crusts under varying wind speeds (30, 60, 90, and 120 km/h) and rainfall intensities (30, 60, 90, and 120 mm/h) across 1 to 15 events. Surface strength is measured using penetrometer tests, and the microstructure of the formed crusts is examined through X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results underscore the effectiveness of Na₂CO₃-activated crusts in erosion control, with treated soil showing significantly reduced erosion compared to untreated soil under both wind and rainfall conditions. Penetrometer tests revealed a significant increase in surface strength, and microstructural analysis identified the formation of albite, anorthite, and brucite crystals, as well as various forms of calcite and portlandite phases in the treated soil. This study endorses Na₂CO₃-activated materials as a superior method for mitigating wind and rainfall erosion, highlighting their remarkable efficacy, eco-friendly properties, abundance of raw materials, straightforward implementation, and cost-effectiveness.