Abstract
Plants and soil serve as significant carbon reservoirs, offering multiple benefits including fostering agricultural growth and nurturing healthy ecosystems. However, arid regions such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) face unique challenges due to low soil organic content, high erosion risk, and limited agricultural potential. Soil stabilization techniques have been explored extensively, with soil amendments emerging as a widely applied solution. Introducing organic carbons into arid soils, particularly desertic sands, holds the promise of creating a new carbon sink while bolstering food security and ecological resilience. This project represents an initial step towards this ambitious goal by investigating the potential of locally sourced natural polymers to stabilize sands and enhance their water interactions. In the UAE, local agriculture partially fulfills food needs, but the country heavily relies on imports, contributing to food insecurity. However, both local agriculture and imports generate substantial amounts of green waste, much of which ends up in landfills. This waste can be repurposed through processing to produce a range of products, from bulk biomass to pure polymers, suitable for sand stabilization. The project aims to evaluate the benefits of utilizing these green waste-derived products.The study utilized natural polymers and fibers obtained through the extraction of fibers from local food waste. Tests to assess the mechanical characteristics and water interactions in soil were performed. Characterization of the extracted cellulosic fibers and sands was conducted to evaluate their properties. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to assess organic content and thermal stability. By leveraging locally available resources and innovative techniques, this project seeks to pave the way for sustainable soil stabilization practices in arid regions and repurpose a portion of landfilled waste into useful materials. Through enhanced soil resilience, water and nutrient retention capabilities, the initiative aims to contribute to food security, ecosystem health, and overall well-being in arid areas like the UAE.
| Date of Award | 8 May 2024 |
|---|---|
| Original language | American English |
| Supervisor | Blaise Tardy (Supervisor) |