Algae-Infused Asphalt Reduces Toxicity

Elham Fini, a senior scientist at Arizona State University, has conducted extensive research on the health impacts of asphalt, revealing that it emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause respiratory issues, lung cancer, and neurological damage. These emissions worsen with heat and as pavement ages. In response, Elham Fini partnered with Mayo Clinic to study respiratory health impacts and teamed up with Peter Lammers from the Arizona Center for Algae Technology and Innovation to develop an algae-infused asphalt binder. This innovative binder, made from algae grown using United States — Phoenix, Arizona wastewater, has been shown to reduce the toxicity of asphalt emissions by approximately 100-fold and can also slow pavement breakdown, potentially lowering construction and maintenance costs. Elham Fini is now working with United States — Phoenix, Arizona to test this new asphalt on a section of road, aiming for safer infrastructure and healthier communities across the United States.