From waste to soil: Technosols made with construction and demolition waste as a nature-based solution for land reclamation

Author(s)

Azevedo-Lopes, Thayana ; Queiroz, Hermano Melo ; Ruiz, Francisco ; Asensio, Veronica ; Ferreira, Amanda Duim ; Cherubin, Mauricio Roberto ; Ferreira, Tiago Osorio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: WASTE MANAGEMENT; v. 186, p. 13-pg., 2024-06-20.

Abstract

Population growth has driven an increased demand for solid construction materials, leading to higher amounts of construction and demolition waste (C&DW). Efficient strategies to manage this waste include reduction, reuse, and recycling. Technosols-soils engineered from recycled waste-can potentially help with environmental challenges. However, there is a critical need to explore the potential of Technosols constructed with C&DW for land reclamation, through the growth of native vegetation. The objective of this study was to investigate this potential by studying two Brazilian native tree species (Guazuma ulmifolia and Piptadenia gonoacantha). Technosols were created using C&DW, with and without organic compost and a liquid biofertilizer. A soil health index (SHI) was applied to evaluate the soil quality regarding physical, chemical, and biological indicators of Technosols compared to a control soil (Ferralsol). The results showed that P. gonoacantha plants presented the same height and total biomass in all treatments, while G. ulmifolia plants exhibited greater height and total biomass when grown in Technosols. The enhanced plant development in the Technosols was primarily associated with higher cation exchangeable capacity and nutrients concentration in plant tissues. Technosols with added compost provided higher fertility and total organic carbon. Additionally, Technosols presented higher SHI (similar to 0.68) compared to control (similar to 0.38) for both studied species. Our experiment reveals that construction and demolition waste (C&DW) have significant potential to form healthy Technosols capable of supporting the growth of native Brazilian trees. This approach offers a promising alternative for addressing C&DW disposal challenges while serving as a nature-based solution for land reclamation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/14800-5 - Estuarine plants and their control in metals biogeochemistry in soils impacted by the `Mariana disaster´
• Grantee: Amanda Duim Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 23/06841-9 - Impact of Extreme Weather on Iron-Mediated Organo-Mineral Interactions in Mangrove Soils
• Grantee: Francisco Ruiz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 21/00221-3 - From sinks to sources: vulnerability of mangrove soils as carbon sinks in the face of global climate change
• Grantee: Hermano Melo Queiroz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/18324-3 - Soil quality and stabilization of organic matter of technosols developed from limestone mine spoils
• Grantee: Francisco Ruiz
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate