Title
A life cycle assessment and economic analysis of the Scum-to-Biodiesel technology in wastewater treatment plants
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2016
Abstract
This study used life cycle assessment and technical economic analysis tools in evaluating a novel Scum-to-Biodiesel technology and compares the technology with scum digestion and combustion processes. The key variables that control environmental and economic performance are identified and discussed. The results show that all impacts examined for the Scum-to-Biodiesel technology are below zero indicating significant environmental benefits could be drawn from it. Of the three technologies examined, the Scum-to-Biodiesel technology has the best environmental performance in fossil fuel depletion, GHG emissions, and eutrophication, whereas combustion has the best performance on acidification. Of all process inputs assessed, process heat, glycerol, and methanol uses had the highest impacts, much more than any other inputs considered. The Scum-to-Biodiesel technology also makes higher revenue than other technologies. The diesel price is a key variable for its economic performance. The research demonstrates the feasibility and benefits in developing Scum-to-Biodiesel technology in wastewater treatment facilities.
Publication Title
Bioresource Technology
First Page Number
89
Last Page Number
97
DOI
10.1016/j.biortech.2015.12.063
Recommended Citation
Mu, Dongyan; Addy, Min; Anderson, Erik; Chen, Paul; and Ruan, Roger, "A life cycle assessment and economic analysis of the Scum-to-Biodiesel technology in wastewater treatment plants" (2016). Kean Publications. 1754.
https://digitalcommons.kean.edu/keanpublications/1754