Development of mucks from the weathering of peats: its importance as an isolation barrier

A decrease in water level in areas of marsh accumulation initiates the process of peat weathering, known as the process of muck formation. This process is strictly connected with the disintegration of peats and results in the formation of sediment characterised by different physical, chemical and mechanical properties. Compared with the peats from which they originate, mucks are characterised by lower hydrophilous properties, higher sorption capacity, lower porosity, lower plasticity and lower shrinkage and compressibility. Due to these properties, a muck horizon can act as an isolation barrier against industrial and agricultural waste and hence is advantageous for environment protection. In addition, mucks have much more favourable physical and mechanical parameters than the peats from which they were formed.