An investigative study on the use of molasses for salt reduction in sea sand

It is known that sea sand is the cheapest form of fine aggregates since it can be made abundantly available in Cebu as an island with exploitation potential for sea-shore sand, but sea sand contains a high content of chloride which may lead to corrosion of reinforcing bars.
The researchers used an experimental approach in investigating the effect of molasses in sea sand. Salinity test was performed by the researchers with the help of the chemist from the Metropolitan Cebu Water District to determine if molasses reduced the salt content of the sea sand. The samples were soaked in the solution (water with given percentage of molasses) for three, six and seven days. The salinity was determined by using the BenchTop Conductivity meter.
The researchers found out that as the salinity of the solution increases, the more the salt is absorbs in the solution. Based on the results 10% of molasses mix in the water has the greater value of ppt (parts-per notation) absorption and has reached its optimum level of absorption of 10% molasses on the seventh day test, it was found out that the salinity of sea sand has also decreased.
The researchers recommended that 10% of molasses must be added in the water to reduce the salinity of sea sand. For further studies, the strength of the treated sea sand should be considered and should be tested to determine its suitability as river sand substitute in concrete mix and check if the if corrosion rate of the reinforcing bar has a decreasing effect.

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