Biopolymer as a Sustainable Solution for the Thar (Indian) Desert Sand Stabilization

Abstract

A desert is a barren region of territory with little precipitation, making it difficult for plants and animals to survive. On the Indian peninsula, there is a dry area called the Thar desert that includes 4.56% of the total land of India. Sand erosion caused by wind is a significant natural disaster and causes air pollution, health issues, reduced visibility, and many more. One way to reduce the impact of wind-generated erosion is by improving the integrity of the sand surface. Adopting sustainable measures to stabilize the soil against wind erosion is necessary. The purpose of the present research is to investigate the potential of a nontoxic biopolymer, namely Acacia gum (AG) in improving desert sand properties by enhancing its strength and erosion control. AG was used at concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 1.5% as stabilizing agents for 1 and 0.75 PV. The biopolymers were applied to the sand through surficial treatment (solution spraying). The bio-cured sand samples were subjected to varying wind rates of 5, 10, and 15 m/s in a wind tunnel (WT) to evaluate their resistance to sand erosion. Surface strength (SS) was evaluated using a pocket penetrometer (PP). The bond among particles has been observed through SEM analysis. Results showed that wind-prompted sand erosion can be achieved by applying the spraying method, at 1% concentration. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.