Use of the water lily (Eichhornia crassipes) as a sustainable strategy in concrete production: environmental and material implications.

Abstract

The water lily (Eichhornia crassipes) represents a significant environmental problem in water bodies, affecting ecosystems and human activities. This study evaluates the use of water lily ash as an addition to concrete mixtures, with the aim of analyzing its impact on physicochemical properties and its potential as a sustainable alternative. X-ray diffraction analysis and microscopic tests were performed, incorporating ash at 0.3% and 0.5%. The results show improvements in surface homogeneity and chemical composition, with up to a 15% increase in uniformity. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of revaluing biological waste in construction, contributing to more sustainable practices and mitigating environmental problems.