Sinergia entre la fitodepuración de aguas residuales y el desarrollo de materiales sostenibles para la construcción

Abstract

This research addresses the environmental problems generated by the construction industry, specifically concerning CO2 emissions and the overexploitation of non-renewable natural resources. In this context, a systematic study on the feasibility of using water lily (Eichhornia crassipes) as an alternative material for sustainable construction applications is proposed. The methodology included, as a first step, an exhaustive bibliographic review of the properties and applications of the species, together with an analysis of its geographic distribution and taxonomic characteristics. The experimental phase included the development and evaluation of 12 test specimens made from the plant fiber and PVA as a binder under a compaction pressure of 0.1 kg/cm², which were subsequently subjected to thermal conductivity, compression, environmental humidity absorption and density tests. The results show average thermal conductivity values of 0.06365W/mK and density of 0.27075 g/cm³, revealing the significant potential of cattail as an alternative material for sustainable construction. The study provides specific recommendations for its application in the development of ecological building materials.