The effects of potassium permanganate on the geotechnical properties of soils

Abstract

In Nigeria, potassium permanganate (KMnO4) is used as a chemical oxidant in the removal of hydrocarbons from polluted soils and groundwater, but there is no information on the effects of KMnO4 on the geotechnical properties of the soil. In this study, KMnO4 was added separately to lateritic soil and kaolin at concentrations of 0 %, 2 %, 5% and 10 % by weight of dry soil. Each of the mixes was then subjected to grain size analysis, Atterberg limits, specific gravity, compaction, and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests. The results showed that an increase in KMnO4 from 0 % to 10 % generally decreased the values of maximum dry density (MDD), optimum moisture content (OMC) and both unsoaked and soaked CBR for both soils. In conclusion, the study shows that although KMnO4 is excellent for the remediation of contaminated sites, it reduces the geotechnical properties of soil and therefore should not be used alone (without the use of other additives) for soil stabilisation.