Urban wastewater reclamation for industrial reuse: An LCA case study

摘要: Abstract Water scarcity is one of the major problems 21st century and most sensitive environmental issues in coming decades due to uneven distribution resources, treatment climate change events. Wastewater reclamation considered as an alternative source fresh water areas with availability or increased consumption. The objective this study use Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology identify quantify main contributors derived from urban wastewater opportunities Tarragona, Spain. plant (WWTP) serves a population about 150,000 inhabitants has mechanical biological for line sludge processing. primary data correspond 2014, when 27,000 m 3 /d collectors rainwater were treated. Two scenarios are after conventional WWTP: a) direct discharge into natural stream b) introduction tertiary facilitate reuse nearby industrial area. This showed that contributes significantly impacts. category highest value cumulative energy demand (5.44 MJ-Eq) large amount required advanced stages needed reuse. results also case “water reuse” scenario indicator depletion (WD) is −4.39·10 −1  m per m treated Tarragona compared 5.74·10 −4 “no option. From comparison these alternatives it may be observed negative which means there net saving nature. represents measurement life cycle perspective effect Spain, non-potable reclaimed reducing stress on supplies.