Qualitative and Quantitative Procedure for Uncertainty Analysis in Life Cycle Assessment of Wastewater Solids Treatment Processes

Qualitative and Quantitative Procedure for Uncertainty Analysis in Life Cycle Assessment of Wastewater Solids Treatment Processes PDF Author: Isam Al-Yaseri
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Sewage
Languages : en
Pages : 221

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Book Description
In order to perform the environmental analysis and find the best management in the wastewater treatment processes using life cycle assessment (LCA) method, uncertainty in LCA has to be evaluated. A qualitative and quantitative procedure was constructed to deal with uncertainty for the wastewater treatment LCA studies during the inventory and analysis stages. The qualitative steps in the procedure include setting rules for the inclusion of inputs and outputs in the life cycle inventory (LCI), setting rules for the proper collection of data, identifying and conducting data collection analysis for the significant contributors in the model, evaluating data quality indicators, selecting the proper life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) method, evaluating the uncertainty in the model through different cultural perspectives, and comparing with other LCIA methods. The quantitative steps in the procedure include assigning the best guess value and the proper distribution for each input or output in the model, calculating the uncertainty for those inputs or outputs based on data characteristics and the data quality indicators, and finally using probabilistic analysis (Monte Carlo simulation) to estimate uncertainty in the outcomes. Environmental burdens from the solids handling unit at Bissell Point Wastewater Treatment Plant (BPWWTP) in Saint Louis, Missouri was analyzed. Plant specific data plus literature data were used to build an input-output model. Environmental performance of an existing treatment scenario (dewatering-multiple hearth incineration-ash to landfill) was analyzed. To improve the environmental performance, two alternative scenarios (fluid bed incineration and anaerobic digestion) were proposed, constructed, and evaluated. System boundaries were set to include the construction, operation and dismantling phases. The impact assessment method chosen was Eco-indicator 99 and the impact categories were: carcinogenicity, respiratory organics and inorganics, climate change, radiation, ozone depletion, ecotoxicity, acidification-eutrophication, and minerals and fossil fuels depletion. Analysis of the existing scenario shows that most of the impacts came from the operation phase on the categories related to fossil fuels depletion, respiratory inorganics, and carcinogens due to energy consumed and emissions from incineration. The proposed alternatives showed better performance than the existing treatment. Fluid bed incineration had better performance than anaerobic digestion. Uncertainty analysis showed there is 57.6% possibility to have less impact on the environment when using fluid bed incineration than the anaerobic digestion. Based on single scores ranking in the Eco-indicator 99 method, the environmental impact order is: multiple hearth incineration > anaerobic digestion > fluid bed incineration. This order was the same for the three model perspectives in the Eco-indicator 99 method and when using other LCIA methods (Eco-point 97 and CML 2000). The study showed that the incorporation of qualitative/quantitative uncertainty analysis into LCA gave more information than the deterministic LCA and can strengthen the LCA study. The procedure tested in this study showed that Monte Carlo simulation can be used in quantifying uncertainty in the wastewater treatment studies. The procedure can be used to analyze the performance of other treatment options. Although the analysis in different perspectives and different LCIA methods did not impact the order of the scenarios, it showed a possibility of variation in the final outcomes of some categories. The study showed the importance of providing decision makers with the best and worst possible outcomes in any LCA study and informing them about the perspectives and assumptions used in the assessment. Monte Carlo simulation is able to perform uncertainty analysis in the comparative LCA only between two products or scenarios based on the (A-B) approach due to the overlapping between the probability distributions of the outcomes. It is recommended to modify it to include more than two scenarios.

Qualitative and Quantitative Procedure for Uncertainty Analysis in Life Cycle Assessment of Wastewater Solids Treatment Processes

Qualitative and Quantitative Procedure for Uncertainty Analysis in Life Cycle Assessment of Wastewater Solids Treatment Processes PDF Author: Isam Al-Yaseri
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Sewage
Languages : en
Pages : 221

Get Book Here

Book Description
In order to perform the environmental analysis and find the best management in the wastewater treatment processes using life cycle assessment (LCA) method, uncertainty in LCA has to be evaluated. A qualitative and quantitative procedure was constructed to deal with uncertainty for the wastewater treatment LCA studies during the inventory and analysis stages. The qualitative steps in the procedure include setting rules for the inclusion of inputs and outputs in the life cycle inventory (LCI), setting rules for the proper collection of data, identifying and conducting data collection analysis for the significant contributors in the model, evaluating data quality indicators, selecting the proper life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) method, evaluating the uncertainty in the model through different cultural perspectives, and comparing with other LCIA methods. The quantitative steps in the procedure include assigning the best guess value and the proper distribution for each input or output in the model, calculating the uncertainty for those inputs or outputs based on data characteristics and the data quality indicators, and finally using probabilistic analysis (Monte Carlo simulation) to estimate uncertainty in the outcomes. Environmental burdens from the solids handling unit at Bissell Point Wastewater Treatment Plant (BPWWTP) in Saint Louis, Missouri was analyzed. Plant specific data plus literature data were used to build an input-output model. Environmental performance of an existing treatment scenario (dewatering-multiple hearth incineration-ash to landfill) was analyzed. To improve the environmental performance, two alternative scenarios (fluid bed incineration and anaerobic digestion) were proposed, constructed, and evaluated. System boundaries were set to include the construction, operation and dismantling phases. The impact assessment method chosen was Eco-indicator 99 and the impact categories were: carcinogenicity, respiratory organics and inorganics, climate change, radiation, ozone depletion, ecotoxicity, acidification-eutrophication, and minerals and fossil fuels depletion. Analysis of the existing scenario shows that most of the impacts came from the operation phase on the categories related to fossil fuels depletion, respiratory inorganics, and carcinogens due to energy consumed and emissions from incineration. The proposed alternatives showed better performance than the existing treatment. Fluid bed incineration had better performance than anaerobic digestion. Uncertainty analysis showed there is 57.6% possibility to have less impact on the environment when using fluid bed incineration than the anaerobic digestion. Based on single scores ranking in the Eco-indicator 99 method, the environmental impact order is: multiple hearth incineration > anaerobic digestion > fluid bed incineration. This order was the same for the three model perspectives in the Eco-indicator 99 method and when using other LCIA methods (Eco-point 97 and CML 2000). The study showed that the incorporation of qualitative/quantitative uncertainty analysis into LCA gave more information than the deterministic LCA and can strengthen the LCA study. The procedure tested in this study showed that Monte Carlo simulation can be used in quantifying uncertainty in the wastewater treatment studies. The procedure can be used to analyze the performance of other treatment options. Although the analysis in different perspectives and different LCIA methods did not impact the order of the scenarios, it showed a possibility of variation in the final outcomes of some categories. The study showed the importance of providing decision makers with the best and worst possible outcomes in any LCA study and informing them about the perspectives and assumptions used in the assessment. Monte Carlo simulation is able to perform uncertainty analysis in the comparative LCA only between two products or scenarios based on the (A-B) approach due to the overlapping between the probability distributions of the outcomes. It is recommended to modify it to include more than two scenarios.

Handbook of Environmental Engineering

Handbook of Environmental Engineering PDF Author: Myer Kutz
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119304407
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 767

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Book Description
A comprehensive guide for both fundamentals and real-world applications of environmental engineering Written by noted experts, Handbook of Environmental Engineering offers a comprehensive guide to environmental engineers who desire to contribute to mitigating problems, such as flooding, caused by extreme weather events, protecting populations in coastal areas threatened by rising sea levels, reducing illnesses caused by polluted air, soil, and water from improperly regulated industrial and transportation activities, promoting the safety of the food supply. Contributors not only cover such timely environmental topics related to soils, water, and air, minimizing pollution created by industrial plants and processes, and managing wastewater, hazardous, solid, and other industrial wastes, but also treat such vital topics as porous pavement design, aerosol measurements, noise pollution control, and industrial waste auditing. This important handbook: Enables environmental engineers to treat problems in systematic ways Discusses climate issues in ways useful for environmental engineers Covers up-to-date measurement techniques important in environmental engineering Reviews current developments in environmental law for environmental engineers Includes information on water quality and wastewater engineering Informs environmental engineers about methods of dealing with industrial and municipal waste, including hazardous waste Designed for use by practitioners, students, and researchers, Handbook of Environmental Engineering contains the most recent information to enable a clear understanding of major environmental issues.

Dynamical Modelling & Estimation in Wastewater Treatment Processes

Dynamical Modelling & Estimation in Wastewater Treatment Processes PDF Author: D. Dochain
Publisher: IWA Publishing
ISBN: 9781900222501
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 360

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Book Description
Environmental quality is becoming an increasing concern in our society. In that context, waste and wastewater treatment, and more specifically biological wastewater treatment processes play an important role. In this book, we concentrate on the mathematical modelling of these processes. The main purpose is to provide the increasing number of professionals who are using models to design, optimise and control wastewater treatment processes with the necessary background for their activities of model building, selection and calibration. The book deals specifically with dynamic models because they allow us to describe the behaviour of treatment plants under the highly dynamic conditions that we want them to operate (e.g. Sequencing Batch Reactors) or we have to operate them (e.g. storm conditions, spills). Further extension is provided to new reactor systems for which partial differential equation descriptions are necessary to account for their distributed parameter nature (e.g. settlers, fixed bed reactors). The model building exercise is introduced as a step-wise activity that, in this book, starts from mass balancing principles. In many cases, different hypotheses and their corresponding models can be proposed for a particular process. It is therefore essential to be able to select from these candidate models in an objective manner. To this end, structure characterisation methods are introduced. Important sections of the book deal with the collection of high quality data using optimal experimental design, parameter estimation techniques for calibration and the on-line use of models in state and parameter estimators. Contents Dynamical Modelling Dynamical Mass Balance Model Building and Analysis Structure Characterisation (SC) Structural Identifiability Practical Identifiability and Optimal Experiment Design for Parameter Estimation (OED/PE) Estimation of Model Parameters Recursive State and Parameter Estimation Glossary Nomenclature

Life-Cycle Assessment

Life-Cycle Assessment PDF Author: Battelle Memorial Institute
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000115305
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 132

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Book Description
Life-Cycle Assessment presents a brief overview of the development of the life-cycle assessment process and develops guidelines and principles for implementation of a product life-cycle inventory analysis. The book describes inventory analysis, impact analysis, and improvement analysis-the three components of a product life-cycle assessment. It discusses the major stages in a life cycle, including raw materials acquisition, materials manufacture, final product fabrication, filling/packaging/distribution, and consumer use and disposal.

Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA)

Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) PDF Author: Subramanian Senthilkannan Muthu
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9811645620
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 206

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Book Description
Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (ELCA) that was developed about three decades ago demands a broadening of its scope to include lifecycle costing and social aspects of life cycle assessment as well, drawing on the three-pillar or ‘triple bottom line’ model of sustainability, which is the result of the development of the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA). LCSA refers to the evaluation of all environmental, social and economic negative impacts and benefits in decision-making processes towards more sustainable products throughout their life cycle. Combination of environmental and social life cycle assessments along with life cycle costing leads to life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA). This book highlights various aspects of life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA).

Development of an Integrated Tool for Process Modelling and Life Cycle Assessment

Development of an Integrated Tool for Process Modelling and Life Cycle Assessment PDF Author: Yoann Mery
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 344

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Book Description
Adapted tools for tackling environmental issues are necessary but they are still missing in industry. Indeed, the introduction of ecodesign practices in the process industry is hindered by the lack of realism and flexibility of related tools.The main objectives of this research work were the development of a fully integrated tool for Process Modelling & Life Cycle Assessment (PM-LCA), and the formulation of an affiliated methodological approach for process ecodesign. The software tool and the methodological approach are meant to be applied to water treatment technologies.The literature review leads to a better comprehension of the required research efforts. The main guidelines for the development of the software tool are stated accordingly.The developed tool, named EVALEAU, consists in a library of unit process models allowing life cycleinventory calculation in function of process parameters. The tool is embedded in Umberto® LCA software and is complementary to Ecoinvent database. A sensitivity analysis toolbox, based on theMorris method, was included for the identification of the process parameters mainly affecting the lifecycle impact assessment results.EVALEAU tool was tested through two case studies - two existing drinking water plants. There liability of the modelling approach was demonstrated through water quality simulation, energy and materials inventory simulation, compared with site real data. An ecodesign procedure was experienced on a complex water treatment chain, demonstrating the relevance of simulation results and the usefulness of sensitivity analysis for an optimal choice of operation parameters.This first developed PM-LCA tool is dedicated to foster the introduction of ecodesign practices in the water industry.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) PDF Author: Allan Astrup Jensen
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 132

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Book Description
Life Cycle Assessment

Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater

Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater PDF Author: American Public Health Association
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1254

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Book Description


Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastics

Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastics PDF Author: Alexey Iordanskii
Publisher:
ISBN: 9783039369683
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 194

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Book Description
Over the few coming decades, bio-based and biodegradable plastics produced from sustainable bioresources should essentially substitute the prevalent synthetic plastics produced from exhaustible hydrocarbon fossils. To the greatest extend, this innovative trend has to apply to the packaging manufacturing area and especially to food packaging implementation. To supply the rapid production increment of biodegradable plastics, there must be provided the effective development of scientific-technical potential that promotes the comprehensive exploration of their structural, functional, and dynamic characteristics. In this regard, the transition from passive barrier materials preventing water and oxygen transport as well as bacteria infiltration to active functional packaging that ensures gas diffusion selectivity, antiseptics' and other modifiers' release should be based on the thorough study of biopolymer crystallinity, morphology, diffusivity, controlled biodegradability and life cycle assessment. This Special Issue accumulates the papers of international teams that devoted to scientific and industrial bases providing the biodegradable material development in the barrier and active packaging as well as in agricultural applications. We hope that book will bring great interest to the experts in the area of sustainable biopolymers.

Handbook of Water and Wastewater Analysis

Handbook of Water and Wastewater Analysis PDF Author: Kanwaljit Kaur
Publisher: Atlantic Publishers & Dist
ISBN: 9788126906109
Category : Sewage
Languages : en
Pages : 280

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Book Description
The Present Book Is The First Of Its Kind Covering A Wide Spectrum Of Water And Wastewater Analysis And Treatment. It Consolidates At One Place The Discussion On Almost All Important Aspects Of The Above Field Such As Water Sampling And Preservation, Analytical Methods Of Examination, Waste Minimization In Laboratories, Tolerance Limits, Removal Of Pollutants Etc. Further, It Also Covers The Concept And Principles Of Treatment Techniques Commonly Used In The Field. The Book Is Valuable For It:" Details Water Sampling And Preservation Methods." Discusses Pretreatment And Instrumental Techniques." Explains Analytical Methods Of Examination Of Water And Wastewater." Describes Traditional Techniques Of Analyses." Includes Information On Standards For Drinking Water And For Use In Industrial Processes." Discusses Wastewater Discharge Limits And Treatment Techniques." Outlines Removal Of Specific Pollutants." Gives Significance Of Parameters Analyzed." Discusses Best Practices And Waste Minimization In Laboratories." Gives Information On Accreditation Of Laboratories." Contains Ready References." Easy To Use And Follow Workbook." Diagrammatic And Pictorial Representation Along With Text To Facilitate Understanding." Explains Calculations With Examples." Suggests Important Books And Websites For Further Studies.It Is Hoped That The Handbook Of Water And Wastewater Analysis Will Prove Highly Useful And Informative For The Laboratory Technicians, Students, Researchers, Engineers, Professionals And Industries.