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The Life‐Cycle Analysis of Small‐Scale Sewage‐Treatment Processes
Author(s) -
EMMERSON R. H. C.,
MORSE G. K,
LESTER J. N,
EDGE D. R.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
water and environment journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1747-6593
pISSN - 1747-6585
DOI - 10.1111/j.1747-6593.1995.tb00945.x
Subject(s) - life cycle assessment , demolition , sewage , sewage treatment , environmental science , scale (ratio) , sewage sludge , environmental impact assessment , process (computing) , waste management , environmental engineering , environmental planning , engineering , environmental resource management , civil engineering , computer science , geography , ecology , production (economics) , macroeconomics , operating system , cartography , biology , economics
The environmental impact of small‐scale sewage‐treatment works has been evaluated using the technique of ‘life‐cycle analysis’. Three sewage‐treatment works with different process options were analysed to identify and quantify material use, energy use and environmental releases during construction, operation and demolition. This enabled (i) a comparison to be made between process options, and (ii) the identification of opportunities for the improvement of environmental performance. Subject to satisfactory sewage treatment and sludge disposal, the technique identified additional impacts of importance, which have implications for energy management, works design, supplier management and general environmental policy. Life‐cycle analysis provides a useful insight into environmental impact and has potential for wider application within the water industry.