An Improved Bio-Based Activated Carbon for the Water Treatment of a Lagoon in Northern Mexico Based on Life Cycle Assessment Methodology

Leticia E Rodriguez, University of Texas at El Paso

Abstract

In this research, different options in the preparation of activated carbon are investigated looking at potential environmental impacts, production cost improvement and physical characteristics for water treatment. The activated carbon made with agricultural waste is compared to activated carbon made with hard coal. Life cycle assessment techniques follow ISO 14040 to 14044 standards are used and calculations were performed using GaBi _education 18® software and databases at mid-point TRACI impact categories. The results of the life cycle impact assessment show that, compared to activated carbon made with hard coal, activated carbon made with peanut shell and rice husk allows reductions in the investigated environmental impacts. The production cost of bio-based activated carbon is potentially lower than the commercial coal-based activated carbon and the physical characteristics of activated carbons made from peanut shell and rice husk made them suitable for water treatment purposes.

Subject Area

Environmental science

Recommended Citation

Rodriguez, Leticia E, "An Improved Bio-Based Activated Carbon for the Water Treatment of a Lagoon in Northern Mexico Based on Life Cycle Assessment Methodology" (2022). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI29996398.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI29996398

Share

COinS