Abstract
This study proposes a comparison of the environmental impacts calculated with the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology of two on-site small-scale activated sludge total oxidation systems in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and vibrated reinforced concrete (VRC). The plants were designed to ensure a treatment capacity of 5, 10, 20 and 30 equivalent inhabitants (PE). The main aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of construction, disposal and operation phases on the total impacts evaluated with three different methods: ReCiPe 2008, Ecological Footprint and IPCC 2007 100 years. The most significant phase for both treatment lines was the use phase, which contributed more than 80% to the total impacts. The construction phase was the second most impactful phase with an incidence less than 25% for both systems and for all the considered impacts assessment methods. The plant in LLDPE was more eco-friendly than that in (VRC). The plant in VRC was always most impactful, even comparing each single phase of the life cycle and for all the treatment capacities taken into consideration. Finally, the obtained results were not dependent on the impact assessment method considered.
Highlights
Sustainable wastewater management requires effective and efficient treatment systems
The main aim of this study is to perform a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of two on-site small-scale activated sludge total oxidation systems in plastic and vibrated reinforced concrete in order to evaluate the incidence of construction, disposal and operation on the total impacts evaluated with three different methods
The performed study proposed a comparison of the environmental impacts calculated with the LCA methodology of two on-site small-scale activated sludge total oxidation systems in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and vibrated reinforced concrete (VRC)
Summary
Sustainable wastewater management requires effective and efficient treatment systems. In the light of the sustainability paradigm, the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is useful because it allows comparing the environmental performance of different treatment systems throughout their entire life cycle [1]. There are several scientific contributions on the application of LCA to the wastewater sector. They are focused on many different features. One aspect concerns the environmental performance assessment of decentralized wastewater treatment systems. There are many sparsely populated areas, where it is not convenient to realize a unique centralized wastewater treatment plant due to the difficulties in terms of sewerage connections [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
