Valorization of Medical Waste in Cement-Based Construction Materials: A Systematic Review
Worldwide, the healthcare industry produces massive quantities of medical waste (MW), most of which is incinerated, releasing large quantities of dioxins, mercury, and other pollutants. Despite this, only a limited number of studies have explored the incorporation of MW into construction materials,...
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| author | M. Murillo S. Manzano Y. F. Silva C. Burbano-García G. Araya-Letelier |
| author_facet | M. Murillo S. Manzano Y. F. Silva C. Burbano-García G. Araya-Letelier |
| author_sort | M. Murillo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Worldwide, the healthcare industry produces massive quantities of medical waste (MW), most of which is incinerated, releasing large quantities of dioxins, mercury, and other pollutants. Despite this, only a limited number of studies have explored the incorporation of MW into construction materials, with a special focus on cement-based construction materials (CB-CMs). However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no existing review formally structures, summarizes, correlates, and discusses the findings of previous studies on MW in CB-CMs to encourage further research and applications of this promising alternative. Therefore, the added value of this study lies in providing an innovative and critical analysis of existing research on the use of MW in CB-CMs, consolidating and evaluating dispersed findings through a systematic literature review, enhancing understanding of the topic, and identifying knowledge gaps to guide future research. A robust systematic literature review was conducted, encompassing 40 peer-reviewed research articles, retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The methodology involved a three-stage process: a descriptive analysis of the included articles, the identification and synthesis of key thematic areas, and a critical evaluation of the data to ensure a rigorous and systematic report. The selection criteria prioritized peer-reviewed research articles in English with full text availability published in the last 7 years, explicitly excluding conference papers, book chapters, short reports, and articles not meeting the language or accessibility requirements. The results indicate that the influence of MW in CB-CM varies significantly. For example, while the incorporation of face masks as fiber reinforcement in concrete generally enhances its mechanical and durability properties, the use of gloves is less effective and not always recommended. Finally, it was found that further research is needed in this field due to its novelty. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-f00dfe1b79104f2f96f4225e45e2a0ff |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj-art-f00dfe1b79104f2f96f4225e45e2a0ff2025-08-20T02:33:31ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-05-011510164310.3390/buildings15101643Valorization of Medical Waste in Cement-Based Construction Materials: A Systematic ReviewM. Murillo0S. Manzano1Y. F. Silva2C. Burbano-García3G. Araya-Letelier4Civil and Environmental Department, Corporación Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080001, ColombiaCivil and Environmental Department, Corporación Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080001, ColombiaSchool of Civil Construction & Concrete Innovation Hub UC (CIHUC), Faculty of Engineering Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, ChileDepartment of Construction Engineering and Management, School of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, ChileSchool of Civil Construction & Concrete Innovation Hub UC (CIHUC), Faculty of Engineering Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago 7820436, ChileWorldwide, the healthcare industry produces massive quantities of medical waste (MW), most of which is incinerated, releasing large quantities of dioxins, mercury, and other pollutants. Despite this, only a limited number of studies have explored the incorporation of MW into construction materials, with a special focus on cement-based construction materials (CB-CMs). However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no existing review formally structures, summarizes, correlates, and discusses the findings of previous studies on MW in CB-CMs to encourage further research and applications of this promising alternative. Therefore, the added value of this study lies in providing an innovative and critical analysis of existing research on the use of MW in CB-CMs, consolidating and evaluating dispersed findings through a systematic literature review, enhancing understanding of the topic, and identifying knowledge gaps to guide future research. A robust systematic literature review was conducted, encompassing 40 peer-reviewed research articles, retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. The methodology involved a three-stage process: a descriptive analysis of the included articles, the identification and synthesis of key thematic areas, and a critical evaluation of the data to ensure a rigorous and systematic report. The selection criteria prioritized peer-reviewed research articles in English with full text availability published in the last 7 years, explicitly excluding conference papers, book chapters, short reports, and articles not meeting the language or accessibility requirements. The results indicate that the influence of MW in CB-CM varies significantly. For example, while the incorporation of face masks as fiber reinforcement in concrete generally enhances its mechanical and durability properties, the use of gloves is less effective and not always recommended. Finally, it was found that further research is needed in this field due to its novelty.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/10/1643construction materialsclinical waste valorizationwaste recyclingcircular economysystematic literature review |
| spellingShingle | M. Murillo S. Manzano Y. F. Silva C. Burbano-García G. Araya-Letelier Valorization of Medical Waste in Cement-Based Construction Materials: A Systematic Review Buildings construction materials clinical waste valorization waste recycling circular economy systematic literature review |
| title | Valorization of Medical Waste in Cement-Based Construction Materials: A Systematic Review |
| title_full | Valorization of Medical Waste in Cement-Based Construction Materials: A Systematic Review |
| title_fullStr | Valorization of Medical Waste in Cement-Based Construction Materials: A Systematic Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Valorization of Medical Waste in Cement-Based Construction Materials: A Systematic Review |
| title_short | Valorization of Medical Waste in Cement-Based Construction Materials: A Systematic Review |
| title_sort | valorization of medical waste in cement based construction materials a systematic review |
| topic | construction materials clinical waste valorization waste recycling circular economy systematic literature review |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/10/1643 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT mmurillo valorizationofmedicalwasteincementbasedconstructionmaterialsasystematicreview AT smanzano valorizationofmedicalwasteincementbasedconstructionmaterialsasystematicreview AT yfsilva valorizationofmedicalwasteincementbasedconstructionmaterialsasystematicreview AT cburbanogarcia valorizationofmedicalwasteincementbasedconstructionmaterialsasystematicreview AT garayaletelier valorizationofmedicalwasteincementbasedconstructionmaterialsasystematicreview |