Abstract
A prototype model experiment was conducted to verify the effectiveness of covering the seabed with fly ash beans to improve the environment in marine areas contaminated by organic sludge buildup. The site of the experiment was Kaita Bay, located in the innermost region of the Hiroshima Bay in Japan. Three different thicknesses of the covering layer were tried in three separate areas. Over approximately six months, the site was monitored, and the degree of improvement is assessed based on monitoring data. Data was gathered on water quality, sediment, interstitial space of beans, and benthos.
It was found that fly ash beans contributes positively to the improvement of the marine environment, as it is effective at suppressing suspended mud. This material is a likely contributor to sludge breakdown, and alters the environment in a manner favorable to habitation of benthos by decreasing hydrogen sulfide ntration and otherwise improving water quality.
