Evaluation of thermal properties of soils amended with microplastics, vermicompost and zeolite using experimental and modeling data

Authors : Katerina DONEVA, Milena KERCHEVA, Carles RUBİO

Pages : 352-362

Doi:10.18393/ejss.1334276

View : 28 | Download : 25

Publication Date : 2023-09-27

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The thermal properties of soils can be influenced by additives of different origins insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(non-organic, organic and mineral); and roles in soil quality. This study aims to evaluate the effects of microplastics, vermicompost, and zeolite on the thermal properties of two soil types using a combination of experimental data and modeling approaches. Laboratory experiments were conducted using surface layer samples of a clay soil insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Vertic Phaeozem); and a loam soil insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Haplic Cambisol);. Each additive was applied at a mass ratio of 10% to the soil samples. The thermal conductivity insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(λ);, thermal diffusivity insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(D); and volumetric heat capacity insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Cv); were measured with the SH1 sensor of a KD2Pro device during the drainage process of the soil samples at different matric potentials. The relationships between λ, Cv, D, gravimetric water content, and matric suction insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(h); were analyzed using linear and polynomial regression models insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(for Cv and D); and a closed-form equation insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(for λ);. The fitted models exhibited small errors, such as a root mean square error insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(RMSE); of 0.03-0.06 W m-1 K-1, and high coefficient of determination R2>0.9. The effects of the different additives on water retention, λ, Cv and D were found to be specific to each soil type and depended on the properties of both the soil and the additives. These findings highlight the significance of additives in modifying soil thermal properties and emphasize the importance of considering the interactions between soil characteristics and additive properties. The combination of experimental data and modeling approaches provides valuable insights into understanding the complex dynamics of soil thermal properties and the potential impacts of additives on soil functionality and quality.
Keywords : Microplastics, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, vermicompost, volumetric heat capacity, zeolite