Effect of organic matter degradation in cohesive sediment: a detailed rheological analysis

Abstract Purpose The presence of organic matter in cohesive sediment results the formation clay-organic flocs, which eventually impart complex rheological behavior including shear-thinning, viscoelasticity, thixotropy and two-step yielding to mud. In this study, influence microbial degradation on properties mud samples, having similar densities, was examined. Materials methods Mud samples were collected from three different locations Port Hamburg, Germany, displaying varying content. analysis fresh degraded performed with help several tests stress ramp-up tests, amplitude sweep frequency time-dependent structural recovery tests. Results discussion showed a significant decrease yield stresses, modulus, etc. for as compared samples. slopes line, correlating change (degraded − fresh) above-mentioned function same property mud, varied within range −0.28 −0.49. displayed better (i.e., stronger system) after pre-shearing step effect time two critical periods (3 days 150 days) observed. Conclusions This study provided useful understanding about can be used optimize management strategies ports waterways.