{"title":"Optimized pervious alkali-activated slag concrete for heavy metal adsorption and ecological risk reduction in LID applications","authors":"Zahra Ahmadi , Shahrokh Soltaninia , Kiachehr Behfarnia , Milad Nimafar , Sara Ahmadi","doi":"10.1016/j.cesys.2025.100335","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study presents the development and optimization of a multifunctional pervious alkali-activated slag (PAAS) concrete incorporating phosphoric acid–activated almond shell carbon and natural zeolite for sustainable stormwater management. Designed to combine mechanical strength, permeability, and heavy metal removal, the material applies circular economy principles by integrating agricultural and industrial by-products. Experimental evaluations demonstrated a compressive strength of 22.6 MPa, permeability of 0.95 cm/s, and heavy metal removal efficiencies exceeding 85 % for copper (Cu), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn). The Slime Mould Algorithm (SMA) was employed to optimize the mix design across multiple performance objectives. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted using ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) within the ISO 14040/14044 framework, revealing a substantial reduction in global warming potential compared to conventional OPC-based mixes. The integrated system exhibited robust structural, hydraulic, and environmental performance, confirming its applicability for real-world stormwater applications. The proposed PAAS concrete offers a novel, waste-derived solution aligned with Low-Impact Development principles, promoting multifunctionality and sustainability in urban water infrastructure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":34616,"journal":{"name":"Cleaner Environmental Systems","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 100335"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9000,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Cleaner Environmental Systems","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666789425000819","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study presents the development and optimization of a multifunctional pervious alkali-activated slag (PAAS) concrete incorporating phosphoric acid–activated almond shell carbon and natural zeolite for sustainable stormwater management. Designed to combine mechanical strength, permeability, and heavy metal removal, the material applies circular economy principles by integrating agricultural and industrial by-products. Experimental evaluations demonstrated a compressive strength of 22.6 MPa, permeability of 0.95 cm/s, and heavy metal removal efficiencies exceeding 85 % for copper (Cu), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn). The Slime Mould Algorithm (SMA) was employed to optimize the mix design across multiple performance objectives. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted using ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) within the ISO 14040/14044 framework, revealing a substantial reduction in global warming potential compared to conventional OPC-based mixes. The integrated system exhibited robust structural, hydraulic, and environmental performance, confirming its applicability for real-world stormwater applications. The proposed PAAS concrete offers a novel, waste-derived solution aligned with Low-Impact Development principles, promoting multifunctionality and sustainability in urban water infrastructure.