Environnmental life cycle assessment of potable water production.
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Date
2001
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Abstract
This study investigates and compares the environmental burdens of two different methods for
producing potable water by using the environmental life cycle assessment (LCA). The first
method, for the production of potable water, is used by Umgeni Water at their Wiggins Waterworks
and it involves conventional processes. The second method is based on a South African membrane
technology and currently it is used in three pilot plants around the country.
The life cycle concept gives the means understand the environmental impacts associated with a
product. process or activity by considering all life-cycle stages, from cradle- to-grave. Formal
methodologies for conducting such studies have been developed and in this project the
methodological framework endorsed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)
14040 series of standards has been used.
By using this methodology and by tracing all processes involved in the production of potable water,
it was found that the main contribution towards the environmental burdens of potable water is due
to electricity generation. This conclusion is valid for both methods in vestigated. and as a result the
recommendations focus on increasing the energy efficiency of waterworks in order to increase their
overall environmental performance.
Description
Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.
Keywords
Water treatment plants--South Africa., Water--Purification--Membrane filtration., Water--Analysis., Water--Pollution--Environmental aspects., Theses--Chemical engineering.