Gate-to-gate life cycle assessment of solid waste conversion of black aluminum dross to γ-alumina as catalyst support for biofuel production

Aluminum is remarkably in demand due to its wider applicability in various applications. Nevertheless, the dross residues need to be treated prior to discharge, not only to recover the valuable metals but also to assess potential economic and environmental impacts. The present study describes the gate-to-gate life cycle assessment of the aluminum recovery from dross wastes via hydrolysis-leaching-calcination technology. Two scenarios that include dual acid leaching techniques using hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and utilization of non-renewablebased electricity and renewable-derived electricity impacts were explored. Further, the influence of both scenarios on the Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Marine Aquatic Ecotoxicity Potential (MAETP) was also analyzed. Sensitivity analysis with regard to variations in leaching efficiency (30, 50, and 70) showed good improvement in acidification (36.4 improvement) and eutrophication (43.5 improvement) categories, while other environmental categories are insignificant. Overall, this chapter highlights the conversion methods of black aluminum dross to gamma alumina and the life cycle assessment for 1 ton production of γ-alumina derived from black aluminum dross. © 2022 World Scientific Publishing Company. All rights reserved.