Olive mill wastewater (OMW) constitutes a noteworthy contributor to environmental contamination. Specifically, it poses a significant environmental challenge for countries that are major producers of olive oil and face water scarcity issues. This review examines the potential of OMW as a partial substitute for freshwater in construction materials and evaluates its effects on the resulting material properties. Studies have investigated OMW at mixing-water replacement levels including 7.5% and 40%. In selected concrete mixtures, 28-day compressive strength increased by up to 38%, while a separate study reported slump increases of up to 430% under different mixture conditions. These results do not establish a universal optimal replacement range. The observed increase in workability suggests a possible effect of OMW constituents on the fresh mixture, but a plasticizing mechanism has not been directly demonstrated. According to ASTM requirements, the properties of the mixed water were assessed, and a 12% OMWW replacement level was identified as the maximum ratio that remained within the specified ASTM limits. Similarly, the incorporation of OMW in bricks can lead to improved thermal insulation and up to 30% energy savings during firing. Utilizing OMW in the construction industry not only prevents the adverse effects linked to its disposal but also diminishes the usage of freshwater, especially in nations grappling with water scarcity problems.

Title

Cleaner Water

Publisher

Elsevier

Publisher Country

United Kingdom

Indexing

Scopus

Impact Factor

3.1

Publication Type

Both (Printed and Online)

Volume

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Year

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Pages

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