Two-scale evaluation of remediation technologies for a contaminated site by applying economic input–output life cycle assessment: Risk–cost, risk–energy consumption and risk–CO 2 emission

Abstract

A two-scale evaluation concept of remediation technologies for a contaminated site was expanded by introducing life cycle costing (LCC) and economic input–output life cycle assessment (EIO-LCA). The expanded evaluation index, the rescue number for soil ( RN SOIL ) with LCC and EIO-LCA, comprises two scales, such as risk–cost, risk–energy consumption or risk–CO 2 emission of a remediation. The effectiveness of RN SOIL with LCC and EIO-LCA was examined in a typical contamination and remediation scenario in which dieldrin contaminated an agricultural field. Remediation was simulated using four technologies: disposal, high temperature thermal desorption, biopile and landfarming. Energy consumption and CO 2 emission were determined from a life cycle inventory analysis using monetary-based intensity based on an input–output table. The values of RN SOIL based on risk–cost, risk–energy consumption and risk–CO 2 emission were calculated, and then rankings of the candidates were compiled according to RN SOIL values. A comparison between three rankings showed the different ranking orders. The existence of differences in ranking order indicates that the scales would not have reciprocal compatibility for two-scale evaluation and that each scale should be used independently. The RN SOIL with LCA will be helpful in selecting a technology, provided an appropriate scale is determined.