BFG 40303/BFG 4033

CONFIDENTIAL

UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA

TEST II
SEMESTER I
SESSION 2014/2015
COURSE NAME

GEO-ENVIRONMENT

COURSE CODE

BFG 40303/BFG 4033

PROGRAMME

4 BFF

EXAMINATION DATE

DECEMBER 2014

DURATION

1 HOUR AND 30 MINUTES

INSTRUCTION

ANSWER SCHEME

THIS QUESTION PAPER CONSISTS OF FOUR (4) PAGES

1

CONFIDENTIAL

BFG 40303/BFG 4033

Q1

(a)

Minerals are classified into two classes based on their origin.

(i)

Briefly explain what are these two classes and give an example of
mineral for each classes.
(8 marks)

Answer:Primary mineral and secondary minerals.

[2 M]

Primary minerals are those which are not altered chemically since the time of
formation and deposition. Secondary minerals are formed by the decomposition
and chemical alteration of primary minerals.
[2 M]
Example of primary minerals - quartz (SiO2), feldspar, micas (muscovite,
chlorite), amphibole (horneblende: magnesium iron silicates)
[2 M]
Example of secondary minerals - kaolinite, smectite, vermiculite, gibbsite,
calcite, gypsum etc.
[2 M]

(ii)

These two classes of mineral are responsible on the transport of liquid

and vapours. Explain the transport mechanism of liquid and vapours by
each class of mineral by referring to its characteristics.
(4 marks)

Answer:Primary minerals are non-clay minerals with low surface area (silica minerals)
and with low reactivity. These minerals mainly affect the physical transport of
liquid and vapours. Secondary minerals are clay minerals with high surface
area and high reactivity that affect the chemical transport of liquid and
vapours.
[4 M]

BFG 40303/BFG 4033

(b)

The behaviour of clay minerals are influenced by various factors such as

surface area, surface charge, cation exchange capacity and etc.
Evaluate the suitability use of bentonite or kaolinite as the drilling mud to
prevent the drilled holes to collapse.
Please support your answer by referring to the characteristics of each clay
minerals.
(13 marks)
Answer:
Bentonite is suitable as drilling mud.
[2 M]
Bentonite is an absorbent aluminium phyllosilicate, impure clay consisting
mostly of montmorillonite. Having high surface area, high absorption, High
CEC.

Q2

(a)

There are many contributing factors for the soil contamination.

List any five (5) of these contributing factors.
(5 marks)
Answer:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

PESTICIDES AND FERTILIZERS

MINING
OIL AND FUEL DUMPING
DISPOSAL OF COAL ASH
LEACHING FROM DUMP SITES AND LANDFILLS
DRAINAGE OF CONTAMINATED SURFACE WATER INTO THE
SOIL
7. LUST LEAKING OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS
8. UNINTENTIONAL (OR INTENTIONAL) LEAKS AND SPILLS
9. SEPTIC DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
(Any 5 of the answer- 5 M)
(b)

In the conventional septic system, the soil underneath the septic tank is required to
filter out any remaining solids, and to kill the germs in the effluent.
Briefly explain what are the required characteristics of the soil which able to absorb
and purify wastewater.
(6 marks)
3

BFG 40303/BFG 4033

Answer:Permeable, deep, well drained (not waterlogged) and are not on a steep slope.
[Any 3 x 2 M = 6 M]
(c)

Unintentionally leaks and spills of oil are widely reported.

(i)

Propose appropriate steps for handling unintentionally leaks and spills of oil
when an oil container is turned over on soil.
(6 marks)

Answer:The 3Cs Control, Contain, and Clean up

[3 x 2 M = 6 M]
(ii)

Evaluate the influences of oil spills on the physico-chemical properties of

soils.
(8 marks)

Answer:i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

Effect on its compaction characteristics lower the maximum dry

density and optimum moisture content
Effect on its Atterberg limits decrease the liquid limit and plastic
limit
Effect on its permeability Reduction in permeability
Effect on its strength - Lowered the strength
[ 4 x 2M = 8 M]