Sustainable Use of Resources – Recycling of Sewage Treatment Plant Water in Concrete

Abstract

Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world. Production of portland cement used in concrete produces over 2.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases worldwide. In addition, concrete is one of the largest water consuming industries. Approximately 150 liters of water is required per cu. m. of concrete mixture, without considering other applications of water at the concrete industry. Water is a critical environmental issue and water supplies and water quality are becoming more limited worldwide. This paper presents an overview of the current state of knowledge about the use of reclaimed water, especially partially processed sewage treatment plant water in concrete. On the basis of identified knowledge, an initial laboratory investigation was conducted. A detailed research agenda has also been developed for additional knowledge on this topic in order to understand and to reduce the environmental impacts of the concrete industry.