Assessment of the environmental impact of polymeric membrane production

• Published in: Journal of membrane science 2021-03, Vol.622, p.118987, Article 118987
• Main Authors: Yadav, Pooja, Ismail, Norafiqah, Essalhi, Mohamed, Tysklind, Mats, Athanassiadis, Dimitris, Tavajohi, Naser
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical Process Engineering; Environmental cost; Environmental impact; Hollow fiber Membrane; Kemiska processer; Life cycle assessment; Polymeric membranes; Sustainability
• ISSN: 0376-7388; 1873-3123; 1873-3123
• DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118987

Polymeric membranes are important in advanced separation technologies because of their high efficiency and low environmental impact. However, procedures for membrane production are far from sustainable and environmentally friendly. This work presents a life cycle assessment of the environmental impact of fabricating 1000 m2 of hollow fiber polymeric membranes. Membrane materials considered include the most popular fossil- and bio-based polymers in current use, i.e., polysulfones, polyvinylidene fluoride, and cellulose acetate. Solvents considered for use in polymer dope solution included polar aprotic solvents (N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N, N-dimethylacetamide, and dimethylformamide) that are widely used in industry and an alternative green solvent (ethylene carbonate). The impacts of membrane production on global warming, marine ecotoxicity, human carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic toxicity, land use potential, and fossil resource scarcity were analyzed. Additionally, the impact on the sustainability and environmental cost of membrane production resulting from replacing fossil-based polymers with bio-based polymers or substituting toxic solvents with a green alternative was investigated. Hot spots in the membrane production process were identified, and measures to reduce the environmental impact of membrane production were proposed. [Display omitted] •The environmental impact and cost of fabricating 1000 m2 of hollow fiber polymeric membranes are assessed.•Replacing fossil-based polymers with bio-based polymer and substituting toxic solvents with a green solvent are investigated.•Measures to reduce the environmental impact of membrane production are proposed.