Jing-Jing Wang , Dong-Hai Yang , Shi-Jie Yuan , Zi-Chen Ling , Bin Dong , Xiao-Hu Dai
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The resource recovery and disposal of drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS) pose significant challenges for sustainable water supply systems, yet its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission accounting model remains poorly quantified. This study employs a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) to systematically evaluate GHG emissions from six representative DWTS management scenarios, including landfill disposal and five resource recovery strategies. Results reveal that energy-intensive drying processes and chemical consumption dominate emissions in thermal treatment routes, while methane generation contributes 71.8 % of landfill-related emissions. Among the resource recovery options, backfill material production achieves the lowest emissions (161.33 kg CO2-eq/t DS), representing a 91 % reduction compared to sintered brick production (1765.02 kg CO2-eq/t DS), due to energy-efficient solidification and aggregate substitution. Sensitivity analysis identifies sludge characteristics, moisture content (after dewatering), and chemical addition as key operational parameters. The developed sector-specific LCA framework demonstrates that optimized recovery pathways can reduce GHG emissions by 58∼93 % compared to conventional disposal, primarily through energy substitution and reduced virgin material demand. This work provides quantitative decision-support tools for implementing circular economy principles in water treatment infrastructure while supporting climate mitigation goals.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Cleaner Production is an international, transdisciplinary journal that addresses and discusses theoretical and practical Cleaner Production, Environmental, and Sustainability issues. It aims to help societies become more sustainable by focusing on the concept of 'Cleaner Production', which aims at preventing waste production and increasing efficiencies in energy, water, resources, and human capital use. The journal serves as a platform for corporations, governments, education institutions, regions, and societies to engage in discussions and research related to Cleaner Production, environmental, and sustainability practices.