According to the researchers, concrete that incorporates slag used first as a medium in municipal wastewater treatment winds up being stronger than concrete that uses slag direct from the mill.

“A lot of this byproduct already goes into concrete, but we’re missing the opportunity to wring out the full benefits of this material,” said Biplob Pramanik, a lecturer in water engineering at the university.

“There is great potential here for three industries to work together — steelmaking, wastewater treatment and construction —  and reap the maximum benefits of this byproduct,” he said.

Their work appears in the journal Resources, Conservation and Recycling.