Utilizing Marble Wastewater in Cement Pastes and Mortars for Enhanced Physico-Mechanical and Microstructural Properties

This research explored the potential of marble wastewater (MWW) in cement paste and
mortar production, addressing water scarcity, sustainable growth, and resource management. It
investigated the physico-mechanical properties and microstructure of cement materials incorporated
with varying amounts of MWW. In this study, we utilized tap water and MWWfor mortar quality
testing, focusing on parameters including setting times, water absorption, and mechanical strength.
The viability of MWW in concrete formulations was confirmed by its acceptable total dissolved
solids and alkalinity levels. A comprehensive experimental program determined that using marble
wastewater in place of tap water reduced the quantity of water required for cement consistency and
generated slightly higher compressive strengths (2, 3, 4, and 6%) after 28 days of curing. Analytical
techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy
(SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD), were employed for molecular
and microstructural analyses, which revealed that MWW had a significant influence on portlandite
development and CSH formation at higher replacement levels. In short, this research highlights
the feasibility of using MWW in cement products, contributing to sustainable water resources, and
industrial waste management and utilization.