Comparative LCA of waste disposal alternatives for Indian IISI:co-processing vs landfilling
Student name: Ms Chinchak
Guide: Dr Suresh Jain
Year of completion: 2010
Host Organisation: Center for Industrial Ecology, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr Weslynne Ashton
Abstract: The study intends to assess and compare significant environmental impacts associated with the two alternatives available for disposal of waste from Indian integrated iron and steel industries. In the present scenario in India, IISI waste being hazardous in nature is sent to secured landfill for disposal. With the advancements made in the field of waste management, Co-processing in cement kilns has emerged as a promising alternative for disposal of hazardous waste. Waste from integrated iron and steel industry serves as an alternative raw material for cement manufacturing process. The main environmental benefits are the reduction of resource depletion, air emissions and landfilled wastes. Both the alternatives for disposal make significant environmental impacts and lead towards series of consequences. The objective of comparative assessment for the study is achieved using life cycle assessment. A well established tool in the field of industrial ecology which is successfully used for assessment of environmental impacts associated with products/processes. Life cycle assessment is carried out for both the disposal alternatives and five significant impact categories i.e. Global warming, Eutrophication, Ozone depletion, Acidification and Ecotoxicity are studied.
Keywords: Integrated Iron and Steel Industry, Landfill, Co-processing, Environmental Impacts and Life Cycle Assessment
