Peat Soil Classification Study: A Case Study in Ayer Hitam, Muar, Johor

Nurul Zuhairah  Mahmud Zuhudi; Ahmad Fiqhri  Lajuliadi; Muzafar  Zukifli; Ahmad Naim  Ahmad Yahaya; Nor Azizi  Yusoff; Wirach  Taweepreda

doi:10.37934/ard.122.1.113128

Authors

Nurul Zuhairah Mahmud Zuhudi Green Chemistry and Sustainable Cluster, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering (UNIKL MICET), 78000, Alor Gajah, Malaysia
Ahmad Fiqhri Lajuliadi Green Chemistry and Sustainable Cluster, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering (UNIKL MICET), 78000, Alor Gajah, Malaysia
Muzafar Zukifli Green Chemistry and Sustainable Cluster, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering (UNIKL MICET), 78000, Alor Gajah, Malaysia
Ahmad Naim Ahmad Yahaya Green Chemistry and Sustainable Cluster, Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering (UNIKL MICET), 78000, Alor Gajah, Malaysia
Nor Azizi Yusoff Research Center for Soft Soil (RECESS), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), 86400, Parit Raja, Johor, Malaysia
Wirach Taweepreda Department of Materials Science and Technology, Prince of Songkhla Universiti, Hatyai, Songkhla, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37934/ard.122.1.113128

Keywords:

Peat Soil, classification, von Post scale, Ayer Hitam, degree of humification

Abstract

Peatland in Malaysia are unique and important ecosystems characterized by the accumulation of organic matter in waterlogged conditions, resulting to formation of peat. The classification of peat soil is important to identify the degree of decomposition of the peat soil and the presence of the dominant plant species, affecting its stability and suitability for various applications. This study focusing on the peat classification work using von Post scale and peat physical properties using ASTM Standards for the samples taken from Ayer Hitam, Muar, Johor. The degree of humification of the sample collected in Ayer Hitam is observed to be dark brown in color and is classified with the von Post scale level of H6 to H7. The study also presents preliminary results on the pH level, moisture content level and ash content, which are obtained at 3.65 ±0.072, 81.02%±1.04% and 2.36% respectively. This preliminary work outlines an identification for classification method to be used for the future works about the peat treatment and modification to improve its properties.