Publication Details
Abstract
The study geotechnically assessed soil structural and chemical properties on building holding capacity in reclaimed wetlands in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. The study adopted the true experimental design. Twelve soil samples were collected from six reclaimed wetlands in the study area. The result obtained from the laboratory analysis of the soil samples was analyzed using mean, and charts to answer the research questions, while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 significance. The result showed that soil density ranged from 0.96-1.79 g/cm³, permeability from 213.33-5900 cm/s, and porosity from 43.47-52.50%, with predominantly granular structures. These structural variations were confirmed by the statistically significant among sampling points (F = 10.199, p = .033), indicating spatial differences in soil engineering properties. Also, the finding on phosphate ranged from 1.70-1.96 mg/L, sulphate from 1.22-7.42 mg/L, and nitrate from 20.45-63.41 mg/L, is supported with significant differences in micronutrients (F = 268.356, p < .001). Overall, the findings demonstrate variable structural or physical and chemical soil conditions, highlighting the need for comprehensive site-specific geotechnical assessment, appropriate soil improvement, chemical monitoring, and careful construction decisions to ensure structural stability and durability. The study recommended that the Rivers State Government should mandate geotechnical investigations, soil improvement, and appropriate foundation treatments before approving construction on reclaimed wetlands with unsuitable soil characteristics. Alongside, environmental authorities should require routine soil-chemical assessments, particularly nitrate and sulphate monitoring, in reclaimed-wetland development approvals to identify soil-quality and environmental risks.