Draft:Algae Concrete
Added references to overview
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[[Concrete]] is an integral part of current building materials. However, traditional concrete |
[[Concrete]] is an integral part of current building materials made of fluid cement that binds an agreggate together. However, traditional concrete production results in significant environmental impacts, including high carbon dioxide output, high energy input, and high water usage.{{Cite news |last=Watts |first=Jonathan |date=2019-02-25 |title=Concrete: the most destructive material on Earth |url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/feb/25/concrete-the-most-destructive-material-on-earth |access-date=2026-04-21 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Thus, it is not ideal in terms of ecological consequences. It also degrades in ways that decrease its mechanical properties which makes it overall less useful in structures as time goes on. |
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New experimentation and implementation have resulted in algae concrete, where [[algae]] in various forms and derivatives are added to the concrete making process. These concretes show versatile properties and characteristics depending on which species and what derivative of algae is used. Algae concrete has certain benefits over traditional concrete, including lower environmental impact and more varied mechanical properties. |
New experimentation and implementation have resulted in algae concrete, where [[algae]] in various forms and derivatives are added to the concrete making process. These concretes show versatile properties and characteristics depending on which species and what derivative of algae is used. Algae concrete has certain benefits over traditional concrete, including lower environmental impact and more varied mechanical properties. |
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=== Degredation and Weakening === |
=== Degredation and Weakening === |
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Microbiologically Induced Deterioration (MID), also referred to as [[Biodegradation|biodegredation]], is a mechanism of degradation due to compounds produced via microbial metabolites. Organic compounds like acids cause corrosion and progressive deterioration over time. Progressive deterioration is defined by a gradual loss of structural capacity over time. Microogramisms that are involved in the deterioration include bacteria, algae, fungi, and lichen. Some species of algae that cause MID include ''[[Chaetomorpha antennina]]'' and ''Ulva fasciata'' as well as other various types of green algae and cyanobacteria.{{Cite journal |last=Kukletová |last2=Chromková |title=Testing of algae colonization growth risk on building materials |url=https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/379/1/012041 |journal=IOP Science |volume=379 |doi=10.1088/1757-899X/379/1/012041}} |
Microbiologically Induced Deterioration (MID), also referred to as [[Biodegradation|biodegredation]], is a mechanism of degradation due to compounds produced via microbial metabolites. Organic compounds like acids cause corrosion and progressive deterioration over time. Progressive deterioration is defined by a gradual loss of structural capacity over time. [[Microorganism|Microogramisms]] that are involved in the deterioration include bacteria, algae, fungi, and lichen. Some species of algae that cause MID include ''[[Chaetomorpha antennina]]'' and ''Ulva fasciata'' as well as other various types of green algae and cyanobacteria.{{Cite journal |last=Kukletová |last2=Chromková |title=Testing of algae colonization growth risk on building materials |url=https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/379/1/012041 |journal=IOP Science |volume=379 |doi=10.1088/1757-899X/379/1/012041}} |
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=== Main Causes of Degrdation === |
=== Main Causes of Degrdation === |
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[[File:Algae, rust, and concrete (322090608).jpg|thumb|Concrete structure with algae biofilm growing on weathered surface]] |
[[File:Algae, rust, and concrete (322090608).jpg|thumb|Concrete structure with algae biofilm growing on weathered surface]] |
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There are a few main forms of degradation typically seen. Colonies on the surface of concrete cause a decrease in protective cover depth, an increase in porosity, and an increase in mobility of surface corrosives. These, as well as freeze/thaw weather cycles cause cracks and spalling |
There are a few main forms of degradation typically seen. Colonies on the surface of concrete cause a decrease in protective cover depth, an increase in porosity, and an increase in mobility of surface corrosives. These, as well as freeze/thaw weather cycles cause cracks and [[Spall|spalling]], both of which decrease the lifespan of the concrete structure. Algae can also cause mechanical degradation after the initial formation of cracks. Colonies can grow into these cracks and expand, causing further propagation and deterioration. {{Cite journal |last=Wei |first=Shiping |last2=Jiang |first2=Zhenglong |last3=Liu |first3=Hao |last4=Zhou |first4=Dongsheng |last5=Sanchez-Silva |first5=Mauricio |date=2013-12 |title=Microbiologically induced deterioration of concrete--a review |url=https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3958164/ |journal=Brazilian Journal of Microbiology: [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology] |volume=44 |issue=4 |pages=1001–1007 |doi=10.1590/S1517-83822014005000006 |issn=1678-4405 |pmc=3958164 |pmid=24688488}} |
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=== Process of Microbial Colonization === |
=== Process of Microbial Colonization === |
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