Waste or Raw Material? Perlite Concrete as Part of a Sustainable Materials Management Process in the Construction Sector

Abstract

Recent advancements in sustainable building practices include the integration of waste materials from various industries into construction materials. This approach is currently being evaluated, allowing us to view recycled material not as waste but as a valuable resource and raw material. Such an approach involves viewing this material as a separate resource with its own distinctive properties. This article investigates the use and environmental safety of perlite-based concrete. The research focuses on the properties of immobilizing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil and plants, and it examines the impact of adding activated carbon to different types of perlite concrete on these properties. Initial tests varied the content of perlite concrete (3%, 5%, and 10%) to better understand the immobilization process in soil, roots, and aboveground plant parts. The results after adding 10% activated carbon provide insights into the nature and direction of the immobilization process and in determining the optimal amount of perlite concrete to enhance this process. The soil analysis revealed that the application of PPC at a rate of 10% led to a notable elevation in soil zinc content, reaching 96.6 mg/kg—a considerable 304% increase. Similarly, the amendment of PBFC at a rate of 10% resulted in a significant enhancement in copper content, reaching 21.7 mg/kg—an 112% increase. This study also evaluates the environmental safety of using perlite concrete and activated carbon in construction projects, such as earthworks and road subbases, where the materials interact with the water–soil environment. The novelty of this research lies in its examination of the remediation potential and environmental safety of modified perlite aggregate, offering a fresh perspective on the impacts of these modifications on previously studied materials. By applying varying concentrations of the amendments, the research provides a deeper understanding of their effects, yielding significant findings that support the advancement of sustainable construction practices.