Antimicrobial Activity of Some Refractory Ceramic Bodies (RCBs) Prepared from Petroleum Waste Sludge (PWS) and Local Bauxite Mineral.

This study explores the novel synthesis of high-quality refractory ceramic bodies using varying proportions of petroleum waste sludge (PWS) and local bauxite mineral, with a focus on their antimicrobial properties. Five ceramic formulations, labeled RCB1 through RCB5, were prepared and fired at temperatures ranging from 600 to 1300 °C. These ceramics were rigorously evaluated for their antibacterial and antifungal activity against a range of pathogens, including Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC25922, Salmonella paratyphi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853, and Alcaligenes aquatilis) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCCBAA977 and Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC49619) bacteria, as well as fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Fusarium sp.). Among the formulations, RCB3 demonstrated exceptional antimicrobial performance, outperforming the 100% control sample in antibacterial activity. Specifically, RCB3 exhibited the highest inhibition zones against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli: 2.10 mm, Salmonella paratyphi: 2.30 mm, Pseudomonas aeruginosa: 3.10 mm, and Alcaligenes aquatilis: 3.00 mm) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus: 3.60 mm and Streptococcus pneumoniae: 3.60 mm). Furthermore, RCB3 showed superior antifungal activity against Candida albicans (4.20 mm), Aspergillus niger (3.20 mm), and Fusarium sp. (3.00 mm), although it was slightly less effective than the control in antifungal performance. The significance of this study lies in its innovative approach to transform industrial waste into high-performance ceramics with dual environmental and biological benefits. By incorporating petroleum waste sludge into bauxite-based ceramics, this research not only provides a sustainable solution for waste management but also introduces a cost-effective and eco-friendly material with potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This breakthrough highlights the potential of such ceramics for applications in environmental remediation and biological control, offering a promising alternative for industrial use. The findings underscore the novelty of the study as it pioneers the integration of waste-derived materials into functional ceramics, bridging the gap between sustainability and advanced material performance.