Analyzing the leachability of selected heavy metals from cement composites by long-term and cyclic tests

Using of waste materials and secondary products from other industries in building industry to manufacturing building materials is one way to the sustainability. However, application of various waste requires serious monitoring and investigation of the safety of the new composites. Heavy metals presence and their releasing from the building materials can pose a potential risk to the environment and human health. The paper presents the results of a study of concrete composites with blast furnace granulated slag and special hybrid cement based on secondary mineral admixtures in relation to their heavy metals leachability. Selected metals (Cr, Pb, Ba, Ni, As) have been analysed using long-term tank and cyclic testing. The concretes with slag addition and hybrid cement proved more intensive releasing of analysed metals compared to the reference concrete. The aggressiveness of extracting media was strongly affected not only by pH but by the quantity of the ions presented in the liquids before the experiment as well. Although the leached quantities were not extremely high, results confirmed the need to monitor the building products with the incorporated waste.