Environmental footprint of aluminum production in China. (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Yanlu; Sun, Mingxing; Hong, Jinglan; Han, Xiaofei; He, Jing; Shi, Wenxiao; Li, Xiangzhi
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 133(2016:Oct.)
• Page Start: 1242
• Page End: 1251
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: Primary aluminum -- Secondary aluminum -- Life cycle assessment -- Energy -- National level; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.04.137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Life cycle assessment was performed using a bottom-up approach combined with national and regional statistical data to estimate the environmental footprint of aluminum production in China. In the footprint of aluminum production, the environmental effects of bauxite, aluminum oxide, and electrolytic aluminum accounted for approximately 1.4%, 8%, and 90.6% of the overall environmental burden, respectively. The amounts of CO2, particulates, NOX and SO2 generated in the aluminum industry accounted for approximately 3.53%, 1.99%, 3.47%, and 5.34% of the total national emission in China in 2012, respectively. More than 94% of the global warming and fossil depletion potential impacts can be saved through aluminum recycling. Electricity and natural gas consumption, transport, and solid waste disposal were the dominant contributors to primary and secondary aluminum production. The use of bitumen and inorganic chemicals also influenced primary and secondary aluminum production, respectively. Effective approaches to reduce the environmental burdens of aluminum production include replacing coal with clean energy sources for electricity production, improving the efficiency of energy and raw material consumption, and increasing the national recycling rate of aluminum. Highlights: Aluminum production in China was subjected to bottom-up-based LCA. Regionalized LCIA assessment model and national statistical data were used. Primary aluminum production generates the most environmental burden. The dominant contributor to environmental impact is energy consumption. Changing electricity structure and improving energy use efficiency are vital.