Sustainable Utilization of Pharmaceutical Wastewater in the Production of Environmentally Friendly Construction Materials

https://doi.org/10.46610/JoEES.2025.v010i02.003

Abstract

The research aims to investigate the sustainable utilization of pharmaceutical wastewater in the production of eco-friendly building materials, addressing both the environmental challenge of disposing of industrial effluent and the goal of greenifying the construction industry. The primary objective is to explore the feasibility of utilizing treated pharmaceutical wastewater as a partial substitute for freshwater in the production of bricks and concrete. Pharmaceutical wastewater, having been treated with complex treatments like oxidation and filtration, was utilized to various extents in the production of construction materials. Physical and mechanical properties of the produced bricks and concrete samples were evaluated through a series of tests, such as compressive strength, water absorption, and leachate analysis. Results showed that up to 30% freshwater replacement with treated pharmaceutical wastewater improved or sustained material performance and complied with environmental safety standards. The results confirm that the incorporation of treated pharmaceutical effluents in the production of building materials is an eco-friendly measure that promotes circular economy strategies, saves freshwater resources, and reduces the environmental footprint of pharmaceutical wastes.