Page 271 - Materials Chemistry, Second Edition

252 Life Cycle Assessment of Wastewater Treatment

Very few papers from European developing countries were found, which was
unexpected, as in general, review papers, such as Corominas et al. (2013), indicate
that most studies on LCA in wastewater were carried out in Europe. In addition,
Europe is a traditional region in terms of LCA research, being the home continent
of several LCA models widely used in the world and presenting regional invento-
ries, databases, and regional characterization factors. So, the expertise in LCA from
European developed countries needs to be shared with developing ones. Indeed, the
contributions of LCA studies could be much more useful for the latter than for the
former, as developing countries normally present a wastewater management system
under development. So, studies such as Barjoveanu et al. (2014) and Teodosiu et al.
(2016) are strongly encouraged.
Concerning only a particular group of developing countries, the BRICS, formed
by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, all of them presented papers pub-
lished on this subject, but it is noted that China and Brazil were ahead in the number
of publications in comparison with the others, indicating that research groups in
these countries are currently active and interested in this theme. The importance
and relevance of the development of studies in these countries are related to their
influence. Indeed, BRICS is formed by developing countries with high regional and
international influence and with high economic potential. So, the adoption of scien-
tific methodologies such as LCA and the development of wastewater management in
BRICS could be very influential for the adherence of other developing countries to
these practices. Tables 12.3 and 12.4 present overall information about the studies
reviewed.

12.4.5 researcH scope
The objective and scope for most studies recorded was LCA applied to the opera-
tion phase of wastewater treatment. Indeed, 36 studies compiled were focused on
resources consumption and emissions from the operation of a WWTP. Only three
studies evaluated present a larger scope and comprise not only the treatment but also
the collection system.
This preference for treatment is probably related to the fact that the operation
phase of treatment plants could directly impact the consumption of energy and the
emission of pollutants such as greenhouse gases, nitrogen, and phosphate. Indeed,
according to Wang et al. (2012), impacts from the operation phase of a WWTP
are more relevant than those from the construction and final disposal phases.
Limphitakphong et al. (2016) carried out a study in the context of Thailand and
found that the environmental burden associated with the operating stage of a WWTP
represents 80% of the total impact generated by it, whereas those associated with
construction and final disposal correspond to 20% and 0.1%, respectively.
Moreover, one of the main applications of LCA in wastewater in developing coun-
tries is to support the selection of alternatives by the comparison of different treat-
ment scenarios. In fact, LCA applied to define the wastewater treatment method is a
convenient approach in terms of environmental protection. In developing countries,
the treatment phase is still a major issue in wastewater management, as already dis-
cussed. So, in this context, LCA could be very helpful during the decision-making