The issue of considering water quality in life cycle assessment of water use

摘要: Available water-use impact assessment methods provide insight into the potential impacts of water use. As models develop, amount inventory information required increases. Among parameters needed, quality is identified as essential since can also influence availability to meet specific users’ needs. It was argued that these users could be deprived and suffer consequences. However, data on may difficult gather related pathways entail risks double counting with emission characterization models. This paper answers which extent must considered in assessment. The role necessity are discussed along cause-effect chain three interventions: consumption (WU1), degradation (WU2), improvement (WU3). Each intervention individually explored put perspective human health, ecosystem quality, natural resources areas protection (AoPs). Our findings suggest that, for WU1, input elementary flow might useful know pressure resource affected users, but alternative avoid need this scarce built. WU1 (including information) WU2 currently assessed by linking functionality via misleading unable compensate lacking a certain quality. In areas, low-quality still consumed even if it does not fulfill standard. Thus, would rather lead toxic instead deprivation latter pathway assumes polluted below standard will no longer used. Hence, should only focus For WU3, LCA approach exists meaningfully quantify its environmental benefits, an indicator solution. study improves understanding brings more consistency between existing (and future) Further research better understand positive effects induced freshwater themselves. More generally, framework identify how defined entity protect within AoP resource.