The Role of Wastewater in Controlling Fluvial Erosion Processes on Clayey Bedrock

Margherita Bufalini, Domenico Aringoli, Fabrizio Bendia, Piero Farabollini, Matteo Gentilucci, Francesco Lampa, Chiara Martinello, Marco Materazzi () and Gilberto Pambianchi
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Margherita Bufalini: School of Science and Technology, Geology Division, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano 7, 62032 Camerino, Italy
Domenico Aringoli: School of Science and Technology, Geology Division, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano 7, 62032 Camerino, Italy
Fabrizio Bendia: School of Science and Technology, Geology Division, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano 7, 62032 Camerino, Italy
Piero Farabollini: School of Science and Technology, Geology Division, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano 7, 62032 Camerino, Italy
Matteo Gentilucci: School of Science and Technology, Geology Division, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano 7, 62032 Camerino, Italy
Francesco Lampa: School of Science and Technology, Geology Division, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano 7, 62032 Camerino, Italy
Chiara Martinello: Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 22, 90123 Palermo, Italy
Marco Materazzi: School of Science and Technology, Geology Division, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano 7, 62032 Camerino, Italy
Gilberto Pambianchi: School of Science and Technology, Geology Division, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano 7, 62032 Camerino, Italy

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-17

Abstract: In recent decades, fluvial erosion processes in highly anthropized areas are mainly associated with in-stream gravel mining activities or with the presence of artificial reservoirs which have increased the erosive capacity of the river as a consequence of the reduced sediment transport or the modification of the longitudinal profile of the channel. On the other hand, the role of pollutants in the degradation processes of soils with a predominantly clayey component is little known. The present study, through chemical analyses of water and mineralogical–geotechnical analyses of clayey soil samples taken along some river channels in central Italy in correspondence with water treatment plants, highlights how “polluting” elements present in the water can modify the crystalline lattice and consequently, the resistance parameters of the soil itself, making it more susceptible to erosion processes. In particular, significant are the variations of the Plasticity Index, which tends to double in all the samples and the transformations of clayey minerals such as illite and kaolinite, toward montmorillonite and smectite, with consequent breaking of the ionic bonds and decrease of the material cohesion. Although in the cases studied this phenomenon was quantitatively less relevant than the “mechanical” processes described above, it could have a greater impact in the presence of landfills or large production settlements (agricultural or industrial) where the concentration of pollutants can be substantial.

Keywords: fluvial erosion; soil chemical erosion; wastewater; clayey bedrock; central Italy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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