Life cycle assessment of UVC-based advanced oxidation processes as quaternary treatments: Clostridium spp. inactivation and comparison with CECs removal
R. López-Timoner , L. Santos-Juanes , A.M. Amat , F. Arfelli , D. Cespi , F. Passarini , M.I. Polo , E. Zuriaga , A. Arques
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
In this work, Life Cycle Assessment has been applied for the evaluation of UVC-based photochemical treatments to deal with wastewater treatment plant effluents. In particular, UVC photolysis, UVC/H2O2 combination and UVC/H2O2/Fe(II) (namely photo-Fenton) were tested at pH ca. 7.5. Clostridium spp. was chosen as target species to test disinfection. Both, UVC/H2O2 and photo-Fenton were able to decrease Clostridium spp. below detection limit in 5 min. Best results were reached with H2O2 concentration of 21 mM. Coupling coagulation-flocculation with the photochemical process was tested for effluents with high organic load and turbidity. Global warming potential selected UVC photolysis as the best treatment for disinfection from the environmental point of view, despite its lower efficiency. However, when CECs removal was considered using acetaminophen as target contaminant, photo-Fenton was the most efficient and the most sustainable option. Finally, LCA was applied to the experimental work performed in the laboratory, showing that the effect of reactions was negligible vs. sample collection and transportation, as well as analytical procedures which accounted for more than 99 % of the impact.
期刊介绍:
The Science of the Total Environment is an international journal dedicated to scientific research on the environment and its interaction with humanity. It covers a wide range of disciplines and seeks to publish innovative, hypothesis-driven, and impactful research that explores the entire environment, including the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and anthroposphere.
The journal's updated Aims & Scope emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary environmental research with broad impact. Priority is given to studies that advance fundamental understanding and explore the interconnectedness of multiple environmental spheres. Field studies are preferred, while laboratory experiments must demonstrate significant methodological advancements or mechanistic insights with direct relevance to the environment.