Abstract
This experimental investigation employing leaching characteristics of concrete made with E-waste plastic [high-impact polystyrene (HIPS)] was carried out using the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP). The heavy metals, such as Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb, were analyzed from concrete with varying percentages of HIPS (0 %, 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 %, and 50 %) at various ages, such as 28, 60, and 90 days. The concentrations of Cd in the TCLP extracts of all the samples were found to be lower than the regulatory level of 1 mg/l at 28, 60, and 90 days. The Cu, Zn leachate content decreased with curing, and all samples were found well below the prescribed level of 100 mg/L and 500 mg/L, respectively. The concentrations of Pb in the TCLP extracts of all the samples were found to be lower than the regulatory level of 5 mg/L at 28, 60, and 90 days. The results are also compared with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) prescribed limits for Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb, which are 0.5 mg/L, 130 mg/L, 500 mg/L, and 1.5 mg/L, respectively, and which are within limits.
