Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) of the chemical and biological effects must be understood to avoid potential adverse impacts to the bay’s aquatic ecosystem. RCA application as a base material for oyster reefs did not adversely affect oyster spat growth and survival, or the surrounding environment. Evaluated RCA leaching for petroleum byproducts showed that RCA as a base material for oyster reefs did not leach any hydrocarbon chemicals, and no water extractable SVOC were detected. The research found potential RCA application to the Chesapeake Bay watershed as a bottom conditioning material for oyster aquaculture. Overall, the findings support the use of RCA for oyster aquaculture.
