Comparative study on the effect of high and low viscous biopolymers for dust suppression – An experimental investigation

Wind erosion is an alarming environmental threat that affects the balance of the biodiversity of an ecosystem. Preventive measures like vegetation, tillage and mechanical methods are currently in practice to limit the soil loss caused by wind erosion. Biological alternatives are gaining traction as they aid the sustainable development of degraded regions. Biopolymers offer an excellent alternative to improve the resistance of soil to erosion. The present study investigates the potential of two anionic biopolymers, xanthan gum (XG) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to control wind erosion of fine sand. Results indicate that fine sand treated with 2.0% XG and 1.5% CMC offered more strength in 7 days, when subjected to open-air curing. Jar and crumb immersion tests suggest that CMC can sustain immersion at lower doses, whereas XG can sustain water immersion at higher doses. The model wind erosion test done for five different wind velocities (4.2, 8.4, 12.3, 16 and 20 m/s) at three different durations (2 hours, 3 days and 7 days of open-air curing) indicated that wind erosion resistance of treated soil improved with ageing. A minimal dosage of 0.75% CMC and 0.5% XG deters the loss of fine sand. For example, at a velocity of 20 m/s soil loss reduced from 100% to 1.97% and 2.4% at 0.75% CMC and 0.5% XG respectively. Experimental investigation ascertains that both XG and CMC can effectively be used to control soil loss caused by wind erosion and promote vegetation on the degraded areas.