A life cycle assessment and economic analysis of the Scum-to-Biodiesel technology in wastewater treatment plants

Dongyan Mu, Min Addy, Erik Anderson, Paul Chen, Roger Ruan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)89-97
Number of pages9
JournalBioresource Technology
Volume204
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2016

Keywords

  • Biodiesel
  • Economic analysis
  • Life cycle assessment
  • Scum
  • Waste to energy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A life cycle assessment and economic analysis of the Scum-to-Biodiesel technology in wastewater treatment plants'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this