Ultra-high performance concrete alleviates ecotoxicological effects in aquatic organisms

With the advancement of cementitious material technologies, ultra-high performance concretes incorporating nano- and(or) micro-sized particle materials have been developed; however, their environmental risks are still poorly understood. This study investigates the ecotoxicological effects of ultra-high performance concrete (UC) leachate by comparing with that of the conventional concrete (CC) leachate. For this purpose, a dynamic leaching test and a battery test with algae, water flea, and zebrafish were performed using standardized protocols. The conductivity, concentration of inorganic elements (Al, K, Na, and Fe), and total organic concentration were lower in the UC leachate than in the CC leachate. The EC50 values of the CC and UC leachates were 44.9 % and >100 % in algae, and 8.0 % and 63.1 % in water flea, respectively. All zebrafish exposed to the CC and UC leachates survived. A comprehensive evaluation of the ecotoxicity of the CC and UC leachate based on the toxicity classification system (TCS) showed that their toxicity classification was “highly acute toxicity” and “acute toxicity”, respectively. Based on the hazard quotient and principal component analysis, Al and(or) K could be significant factors determining the ecotoxicity of concrete leachate. Furthermore, the ecotoxicity of UC could not be attributed to the use of silica-based materials or multi-wall carbon nanotubes. This study is the first of its kind on the ecotoxicity of UC leachate in aquatic environments, and the results of this study can be used to develop environment-friendly UC.