The first physical and chemical assessment of Mehdia Harbor sediments for sustainable valorization as construction materials
摘要
This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the physicochemical properties of sediments from Mehdia Harbor, Morocco, to evaluate their suitability for sustainable valorization as construction materials. This approach addresses growing environmental concerns associated with the traditional marine disposal of dredged sediments, which has significant impacts on marine ecosystems. Analyses included grain size distribution, water content, sand equivalent, methylene blue value, Atterberg limits, and chemical parameters (metallic trace elements, polychlorinated biphenyls, total petroleum hydrocarbons, total organic carbon, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Sediments from the commercial and military basins exhibited notable potential for direct incorporation into concrete or mortar formulations due to their favorable sandy properties, offering a cost-effective alternative to conventional construction materials. In contrast, sediments from the access channel and fishing basin, which are rich in fine particles, require mixing to enhance their properties or could be reused in alternative applications such as ceramics or landfill covering. All sediments demonstrated contaminant levels below regulatory thresholds, suggesting their good chemical quality for valorization without costly treatment processes. These findings highlight promising pathways for transforming dredged sediments from waste into construction resources, aligning with the principles of the circular economy. However, further mechanical and environmental testing, including compression strength, durability, and leaching behavior, is necessary to validate the proposed valorization pathways and ensure their long-term environmental safety.