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Comparative life cycle assessment of biomass-based and coal-based activated carbon production.

Tan, Lian See and Tan, Jully and Yong, Jiunn Boon and Ahmad, Fauzan (2022) Comparative life cycle assessment of biomass-based and coal-based activated carbon production. Progress In Energy And Environment, 20 . pp. 1-9. ISSN 2600-7762

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.37934/progee.20.1.115

Abstract

Activated carbon (AC) is an effective adsorbent in water treatment but its production method has significant emissions to the environment. This study aims to quantify the environmental impacts of various AC types and determine whether raw material selection could reduce the footprint of AC. A cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted on coal, coconut shell, wood, peat, and reactivated coal ACs. The different types of raw materials were selected to reflect typical global and local availability in the selected location. Life cycle data was collected from the Ecoinvent database, scientific literature, and an industrial producer. Using CML 2001 as a characterization method, potential environmental impacts were calculated for 12 categories. The direct emis- sions of AC production and electricity production were the largest contributors to environmental impacts. Coal AC had the highest impact in ten out of the twelve categories. On the other hand, reactivated coal and coconut AC had the lowest impacts in three and five categories, respectively. The comparison in carbon footprints be- tween the AC types were found to be dependent on inclusion or exclusion of biogenic emissions: When including biogenic carbon emissions, the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of reactivated coal AC was 72–80% lower than for the virgin ACs. When biogenic carbon emissions were excluded, the GWPs of the residual biomass ACs (coconut shell and wood) were found to be about 50% lower than that of reactivated coal AC. The results demonstrate that raw material choice and production method significantly affect the environmental impact of AC. To minimize site-specific impacts of AC application, technical feasibility of AC and use phase emissions need to be assessed.

Item Type:Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:Activated carbon, Life cycle assessment, Environmental impacts, Reactivation
Subjects:T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
Divisions:Built Environment
ID Code:104626
Deposited By: Muhamad Idham Sulong
Deposited On:21 Feb 2024 08:35
Last Modified:21 Feb 2024 08:35

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