Page 90 - Materials Chemistry, Second Edition

Part 2a: Guide 77

4.3.3.8 Ecotoxicity

Topic

This impact category covers the impacts of toxic substances on aquatic, terrestrial and
sediment ecosystems. The area of protection is the natural environment (and natural
resources). Notice that the discussion on characterisation of toxicity-related impact
categories is far from settled.

4.3.3.8.1 Freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity

Topic

Freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity refers to the impacts of toxic substances on freshwater
aquatic ecosystems.

Main choices and guidelines

Method status Characterisation method/factor Table in Part 2b
baseline 4.3.8.1
alternative 1 4.3.8.2
alternative 2 4.3.8.3
alternative 3 4.3.8.4
alternative 4 4.3.8.5
additional – –
variant see Part 3 –

Example (for baseline)

impact category freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity
LCI results emissions of toxic substances to air, water and soil (in kg)
characterisation model USES 2.0 model developed at RIVM, describing fate, exposure
and effects of toxic substances, adapted to LCA
category indicator predicted environmental concentration/predicted no-effect
concentration
characterisation factor freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity potential (FAETP) for each
emission of a toxic substance to air, water and/or soil (in kg 1 ,4­
dichlorobenzene equivalents /kg emission)
unit of indicator result kg (1,4-dichlorobenzene eq)

4.3.3.8.2 Marine aquatic ecotoxicity
Topic

This impact category covers impacts of toxic substances on marine aquatic ecosystems.