Effect on stability of asphalt using COVID-19 single use face mask and saline tube waste

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in the production of single-use face masks and saline tubes, leading to a considerable rise in biomedical waste pollution and its adverse effects on the environment. To address this issue, the utilization of shredded face masks and saline tubes as additives in asphalt mixtures was proposed in this study, aiming to reduce the pollution caused by excessive biological waste. The effects of incorporating shredded face masks and saline tubes into the asphalt mixture were investigated. Different percentages of single-use face masks (1%, 1.25%, 1.50%, 1.75%, and 2%) and waste saline tubes (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%) were used to partially replace coarse aggregate and asphalt. Additionally, filler materials such as Metakaolin and M-sand were employed. Preliminary tests were conducted on bitumen, fine aggregate, and coarse aggregate. The dispersion of waste face masks and saline tubes within the asphalt mixture was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The influence of the face mask and saline tube content on the asphalt mixture was evaluated through a Marshall stability test. Various combinations were analyzed, and their results were compared to those of the existing mixture. Based on the tested ratios, the mix proportion of 1.25% shredded face masks and 1% waste saline tubes (1.25FM1ST) produced the optimum results in terms of stability and performance. The utilization of shredded face masks and saline tubes as additives in asphalt mixtures offered a promising solution for reducing pollution caused by the growing biomedical waste associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research and implementation of this approach could contribute to sustainable waste management practices while maintaining the performance and durability of asphalt pavements