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Life Cycle Assessment of Resource-Oriented Sanitation Based on Vacuum Toilet and Vacuum Kitchen Waste Shredder: A Case Study in Rural Southeastern China

Author

Listed:
  • Yu Zhang

    (State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Yunpeng Shi

    (State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Shangyi Shu

    (State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Shikun Zhu

    (State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

  • Bin Fan

    (State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

Abstract

The resource value of feces and kitchen waste has not been fully emphasized and utilized in rural sanitation management in China. In this paper, we propose a new ecological sanitation model with the core technology of “vacuum toilet and vacuum kitchen waste shredder—vacuum collection—resource treatment”, i.e., the modern home–farm cycle sanitation (MHFCS) system. We compared the environmental performance of the MHFCS system with that of a typical end-pipe treatment sanitation (EPTS) system (Johkasou—small onsite wastewater treatment system) in rural China using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The results showed that the main source of environmental impacts of the MHFCS system was the collection and treatment process of domestic organic liquid wastes; the greenhouse gas emissions were 64.543 kg CO 2 eq·PE −1 ·year −1 , and the MHFCS system indirectly gained a fertilizer substitution benefit of 65.960 kg CO 2 eq·PE −1 ·year −1 through nutrient element recycling. The MHFCS system has significant advantages in terms of net GHG emissions. Sensitivity analyses showed that resource consumption of vacuum facilities was a key factor for the MHFCS system. This system offers the potential to break down the barriers of the EPTS system in order to meet environmental sustainability and market demands for systemic diversity.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu Zhang & Yunpeng Shi & Shangyi Shu & Shikun Zhu & Bin Fan, 2024. "Life Cycle Assessment of Resource-Oriented Sanitation Based on Vacuum Toilet and Vacuum Kitchen Waste Shredder: A Case Study in Rural Southeastern China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:20:p:8836-:d:1497186
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jean Joël Roland Kinhoun & Ao Li & Minghuan Lv & Yunpeng Shi & Bin Fan & Tingting Qian, 2022. "Human Excreta and Food Waste of a Typical Rural Area in China: Characteristics and Co-Fermentation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-13, April.
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