Leachate and radon production from fly ash autoclaved cellular concrete

Journal Article · Fri Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1997 · Journal of Energy Engineering

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9402(1997)123:2(55)· OSTI ID:533079

Latona, M C; Neufeld, R D; Vallejo, L E; Brandon, D; Hu, W; Kelly, C ^[1]

---

1. Univ. of Pittsburgh, PA (United States). Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Environmental consequences and potential liabilities of autoclaved cellular concrete (ACC) use were assessed by aqueous leaching of crushed samples for metals and organic solvent extractions of solid ACC for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Also, whole ACC blocks were tested for radon exhalation potential. Results show leachate concentrations were typically 10 times below, and always 100 times below the regulatory threshold of applicable drinking water standards. A Microtox bioassay procedure showed no toxic effects due to leached metals. Organic analysis of solvent extracts indicated no release of hazardous PAHs attributable to the fly ash ingredient of ACC. Measured rates of radon exhalation were too low to cause potentially dangerous buildups in confined air spaces. Fly ash ACC may be characterized as an environmentally green construction material based on these findings.

• Sponsoring Organization: Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 533079
• Journal Information: Journal of Energy Engineering, Journal Name: Journal of Energy Engineering Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 123; ISSN JLEED9; ISSN 0733-9402
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
CONCRETES
FLY ASH
HEALTH HAZARDS
LEACHATES
NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
RADON
TOXICITY
WASTE PRODUCT UTILIZATION