Antimicrobial Action of Ginger and Ornamental Rock Wastes for Cement Mortar

Romário Moreira Siqueira, Bruna Sthefanie Paz de Souza, Jonas Alexandre, Aline Chaves Intorne, Edmilson José Maria, Sergio Neves Monteiro and Afonso Rangel Garcez de Azevedo ()
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Romário Moreira Siqueira: Advanced Materials Laboratory, State University of the Northem Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
Bruna Sthefanie Paz de Souza: Biotechnology Laboratory, State University of the Northern Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
Jonas Alexandre: Civil Engineering Laboratory, State University of the Northern Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
Aline Chaves Intorne: Laboratory of Chemistry and Biology, Federal Institute of the Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 27213-100, Brazil
Edmilson José Maria: Laboratory of Chemical Sciences, State University of the Northern Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
Sergio Neves Monteiro: Department of Material Sciences, Military Engineering Institute, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil
Afonso Rangel Garcez de Azevedo: Civil Engineering Laboratory, State University of the Northern Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-20

Abstract: This study investigated the technical feasibility and antimicrobial potential of incorporating ornamental rock, limestone, and ginger waste into coating mortars with the aim of developing an innovative and sustainable solution for civil construction. This study evaluated the synergistic action of these materials on the microbiological and mechanical resistance of mortar, contributing to the greater durability and efficiency of the coatings. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed to characterize the morphology, chemical composition, and crystalline structure of the added materials, confirming their suitability for the cement matrix. Tests in the fresh state evaluated parameters such as density, consistency index, and entrained air content, demonstrating the viability of the formulations, whereas flexural and compressive strength tests indicated significant improvements in the mechanical performance of the modified mortar. Microbiological tests demonstrated a significant reduction in microbial colonization, indicating the action of ginger’s bioactive compounds, such as gingerol and shogaol, which have antimicrobial properties and are effective in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, as confirmed by the reduction in the bacterial colony count from 4 × 10 2 to 1 × 10 2 CFU mL −1 . Comparisons with conventional compositions indicate that the proposed approach outperformed traditional formulations in terms of both mechanical resistance and microbiological control. Thus, the results validate this research as a promising strategy for improving the durability and performance of coating mortars, reducing maintenance costs, and promoting the sustainable use of alternative materials in civil construction.

Keywords: cementitious mortar; antimicrobial coatings; ornamental rock waste; sustainable mortar (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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