Value-added recycling of sludge and sludge ash into low-carbon construction materials: current status and perspectives

Abstract

Abstract Sludge as the by-product of wastewater treatment usually accumulates toxic substances that require specific treatment before disposal. With the increase of sludge production, the safe and economic treatment of sludge has become a global issue. Construction filed provides a solution for consuming huge volumes of sludge and sludge ash owing to the similar chemical composition with cementitious materials. This paper critically reviewed the current status of recycling sludge and sludge ash into low-carbon construction materials and highlighted the future perspectives of sludge-derived construction materials. Furthermore, the immobilization mechanisms of heavy metals in sludge-derived construction materials were elaborated to promote the actualization of sustainable management of sludge and sludge ash. Graphical Abstract