Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Sally SALEHI, Farid Gholamreza FAHIMI, Masoud Kia DALIRI, Ahmad TAVANA, Keyvan SAEB
Recycling construction soil and debris is a key strategy for reducing pollution and enhancing economic efficiency. The process of sand production from construction debris, while beneficial, results in the accumulation of dense sludge containing harmful elements in sand-washing machines like EvoWash. This study investigates the potential reuse of mineral-rich sludge from the EvoWash machine for cultivating non-fruit-bearing plants, addressing environmental concerns at the Aabali landfill in Tehran. Eight plant species were selected: Nerium, Spruce, Rose, Eucalyptus, Bitter Olive, Myrtle, Ornamental Pistachio, and Cactus, chosen for their compatibility with the heavy metal content in the sludge and their native presence in Tehran, facilitating reuse without extensive transportation. Comprehensive laboratory analyses identified essential mineral elements in the sludge, indicating its potential for plant growth. Bi-weekly monitoring of plant growth over four months showed that a mixture of sludge and garden soil significantly improved plant development compared to pure sludge or garden soil alone. While certain plants struggled in 100% sludge, the mixed medium yielded superior growth outcomes. The study provides insights into the feasibility of using EvoWash sludge for sustainable plant cultivation, presenting a promising solution for reusing construction debris sludge and aligning with eco-friendly waste management practices. The findings highlight the potential of EvoWash sludge in enhancing soil fertility and supporting plant growth, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.
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