Evaluation of the environmental impact of using CO2 generated by fixed sources to replace H2SO4 to neutralize textile wastewater

Abstract

The global climate is changing due to greenhouse gas emissions. The CO2 from fixed sources in the processes linked to the “Desembarco del Granma” textile factory negatively impacts the industry and its surrounding community. To mitigate the impact of this gas, its use in the neutralization of wastewater is proposed. The objective of this work is to evaluate the environmental impact caused by the use of CO2 generated by fixed sources in the replacement of sulfuric acid to neutralize textile wastewater. Sima Pro 9.0.0.49 software was implemented. The functional unit was the treatment of 60 m3/h of wastewater. The limits of the system were those that frame the two fixed sources of gas emissions (steam generator and oil heater) and the first section of the waste liquid treatment plant that includes neutralization. To quantify the amounts of CO2 and sulfuric acid, mass balances were used. The carbon footprint is 5,113.96 kg CO2 equivalent for the current process and 1,112.82 kg CO2 equivalent when CO2 is used to replace H2SO4 in the neutralization process, representing a 78,24 % decrease. The environmental feasibility of replacing sulfuric acid with CO2 is demonstrated since there will be a decrease of 69,1 points for the total process in terms of damage categories and 4001,14 kg of CO2 equivalent.