Effect of abattoir wastewater on geotechnical properties of lateritic soil

This study focuses on influence of abattoir wastewater on some geotechnical properties of lateritic soil. Abattoir wastewater (AWW) and lateritic soil were obtained from Ilokun abattoir and Ilokun borrow pit, respectively. AWW was subjected to physico-chemical analysis at fresh state and after 14days. Chemical analysis was carried on the uncontaminated/natural soil sample in order to determine its degree of laterization. The soil samples were contaminated with AWW at varied rate of 5, 10 and 20 % of dry weight of lateritic soil. The geotechnical properties of the soil sample at the varying percentages of contamination were determined and compared with natural soil properties. Results of tests showed a corresponding increase in the liquid limit from 43 to 70% and consequently increase plasticity index from 18.27 to 37%. The addition of AWW lowered the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) from 1905 - 1420kg/m³ while California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values reduced from 23.42% to 6.14%. However, cohesion and rate of permeability(k) improves with increased dosage of contaminant. Chemical reactions between the soil grains and abattoir wastewater were responsible for the degradation of the soil grains. Hence, it can be concluded that Abattoir wastewater adversely affect the geotechnical properties of the soil.