The Innovation of the characterisation factor estimation for LCA in the USETOX model

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2020-10, Vol.270, p.122432, Article 122432
• Main Authors: Belyanovskaya, Alexandra I., Laratte, Bertrand, Rajput, Vishnu D., Perry, Nicolas, Baranovskaya, Natalia V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Characterization factor; Engineering Sciences; Environmental Engineering; Environmental Sciences; Heavy metals; Human exposure; Spatial LCA; Spatial LCIA; USEtox
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122432

Different Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) methods in the impact assessment may lead to disparate results. Those disagreements in LCIA results are mainly linked to differences in the characterization model on a spatial scale. Most models only provide information about large geographical areas, ignoring ecological aspects of regions that can vary in accordance with geological conditions and the industrial influence level. The current investigation proposes an approach to reduce the spatial limitation of impact modeling. Based on the results of analytical investigations carried out by the research group, and taken from the literature, the characterization factor (CF) is recalculated. Among existing LCIA models, the USEtox is taken as the model recommended by the European Union for human health impacts assessment. In the USEtox model calculation, the general bioaccumulation factor is replaced by the regionalized concentration coefficient to obtain the indirect human exposure factor. The modified characterization factor for 5 USEtox geo zones is calculated. •Human health characterization factors differ depending on the environmental pollution in “air” and “soil".•Chromium intake from soil has a higher potential impact on human health than intake of this element via air.•The importance of local information in the impact assessment investigations is significant.