Evaluating Particle Migration Through A Geotextile Filter Cake Using Fluorescent Microspheres

Abstract

Viable dewatering techniques are an effective method to manage large volumes of contaminated, high-water content dredged sediments but the passing of small particles with attached organic contaminants during dewatering can create challenges for environmental remediation, if not properly contained. Better understanding of the mechanisms of this particle transport through laboratory experiments are necessary. In this research, fluorescent microspheres (i.e., flurospheres ©) are proposed to be used to simulate small particles during the dewatering process. Methods to visualize and quantify these microspheres for dewatering research are developed and validated. Application trials of these experimental methods are then performed to examine the behaviour of small particles during dewatering of two different sediments. It is shown that the methods developed in this thesis can be used in these experiments to help better understand the attachment and detachment of particles during geotextile dewatering.