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Life cycle analysis and sewer solids
H Gouda1, R M Ashley, D Gilmour
1School of Engineering, Design & Technology, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, UK. h.m.e.gouda@bradford.ac.uk
Summary
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) assessed sewer solids handling options, evaluating social, environmental, and economic impacts. This approach supports sustainable water management and enhances decision-making for utilities.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Resource Management
- Sustainable Engineering
Background:
- Growing demand for sustainable living necessitates re-evaluating water service provision.
- A whole-system perspective, considering social, environmental, and economic factors, is crucial for modern water management.
- Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is increasingly applied beyond products to assess complex processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) techniques to evaluate sewer solids handling processes.
- To determine energy and mass flows and environmental impacts of various sewer solids management options.
- To contribute to enhanced decision support systems for water utilities.
Main Methods:
- Utilized SimaPro software for Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) implementation.
- Quantified energy and mass flows associated with different sewer solids handling strategies.
- Assessed environmental impacts across social, environmental, and economic criteria.
Main Results:
- Identified distinct energy, mass flow, and environmental impact profiles for each sewer solids handling option.
- Provided quantitative data to compare the sustainability of different management approaches.
- Demonstrated the utility of LCA in assessing complex water infrastructure processes.
Conclusions:
- Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a valuable tool for evaluating sewer solids handling options.
- The study provides data to support more informed, sustainable decision-making in water utilities.
- Integrating whole-system perspectives through LCA enhances the sustainability of water services.