Sustainable life-cycle assessment of mixing approaches in water storage tanks
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-27-2020
Department
Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
Abstract
Poor mixing in water storage tanks can cause stagnant zones that could pose negative public health effects. The present study uses Life Cycle Assessment to decide among the only three mixing options available, namely sprinkler, multiple inlets, and a mechanical mixer for the first time. These options were compared using different life-cycle assessment (LCA) tools using an 80-year lifetime as the functional unit while assuming that all three options result in acceptable water quality. Using SimaPro modeling software as well as the IPCC 2013 GWP 100a V1.0 and Cumulative Energy Demand methods, these three mixing approaches were compared with and without waste recycling. Results showed that application of a sprinkler is the least expensive option. Damage-cost analyses for categories of human health, ecosystem quality, and resources showed that a sprinkler caused the least damage and cost, while a mixer resulted in the most damage and cost.
Publication Title
Water Science and Technology: Water Supply
Recommended Citation
Alizadeh Fard, M.,
&
Barkdoll, B. D.
(2020).
Sustainable life-cycle assessment of mixing approaches in water storage tanks.
Water Science and Technology: Water Supply,
21(2), 553-566.
http://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2020.346
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p/14815