Addressing water needs of freshwater ecosystems in life cycle impact assessment of water consumption: state of the art and applicability of ecohydrological approaches to ecosystem quality characterization

摘要: In recent history, human development overbalanced towards economic growth has often been accompanied by the degradation and reduction of freshwater resources at expense dependent ecosystems. For their subsistence correct functioning, understanding environmental water requirements (EWR) represents an area great interest for life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) it only marginally explored. The aim this paper is to investigate how concept evolved in ecological hydrological literature can be better integrated LCIA, identify potential options improvement LCIA indicators short, mid long term. To address limitations existing approaches modelling EWR, four families EWR methods have reviewed, namely hydrological, hydraulic, habitat simulation holistic methods. Based on scientific broad application, 24 selected suitability adopted evaluated against nine criteria, with regard data management issues, accuracy, robustness, future development. A semi-quantitative performance score subsequently assigned each criterion, showing main strengths weaknesses underlying rationale chosen markedly different, likewise input information needed results applicability. Hydrological are well suited global models they ones currently considered although applicability remains limited stress indicators. Habitat identified as essential step mechanistic endpoint respect, fit purpose. However, represent best compromise between robustness LCIA. reason, a conceptual framework habitat-based characterization factors proposed. Among methods, ESTIMHAB showed was method retained model that will assess consequences consumption stream This study identifies advantages specific Selected could support different levels. short-term improving relevance indicators, mid/long-term build up midpoint relating needs ecosystems new metrics.