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Water Footprint of the business Sector and Circular Economy
Author(s)
Taghipour, Amirhossein
Stefanakis, Alexandros
Date Issued
January 1, 2023
Type
Book Chapter
Abstract
Water is vital in metal extraction and manufacturing. Grinding, flotation, gravity concentration, medium separation, and hydrometallurgical processes all use it. The kind of ore treated, the processing techniques, and the local climate all influence water use. Water is also required for dust suppression, cooling, equipment washing, and human consumption in mining operations. To drill for fossil fuels, for example, or to cool boilers and emission control systems in thermoelectric power plants, water is required throughout the entire life cycle of mining. In this study, a life cycle inventory is conducted to quantify water inputs and outputs, and a life cycle impact assessment to quantify possible environmental harm. Metals’ water impacts are significant due to direct and indirect water use in mining and production, fuel extraction, and energy production, as well as sulfidic mine tailings disposal. To improve supply chain water efficiency, properly manage mining tailings, and boost the use of low-carbon and low-water energy sources and conversion technologies, the consumer electronics sector must work with suppliers to build long-term water management initiatives. Although strategies and the substitution or reduction of high-impact materials can help reduce water impacts, they may also entail sustainability trade-offs that must be evaluated and addressed in advance. To effectively connect design and material decisions to product consumption, longevity, and end-of-life management, supply chain coordination is required. Additional interventions, such as expanded producer responsibility policies, enhanced consumer participation, and increased supply chain transparency, will most likely be required to meet these aims.
Citation
Advances in Science Technology and Innovation, 193-198, 2023