New paper published! Exploring the Role of Life Cycle Assessment in Water and Wastewater Treatment in Africa
BioResources and Technology Division (BRT) researcher Charles Amarachi Ogbu and BRT Director Assoc Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík recently published an article!
This study examines the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in water and wastewater treatment across Africa. LCA provides a comprehensive methodology for evaluating the environmental impacts of processes by analyzing energy use, material flows, and emissions throughout their life cycle. This study assesses the extent of LCA implementation in the sector while identifying key challenges and opportunities.
The review analyzed research from various African countries, revealing that most studies originated from South Africa and Egypt, with notable gaps in representation from countries like Nigeria and Tunisia. Urban and industrial wastewater treatment were the primary focus, with fewer studies examining domestic and water treatment processes. A significant finding was that only a third of the studies considered the entire life cycle, pointing to gaps in comprehensive environmental assessment. The most commonly used impact assessment methods were ReCiPe and CML, with global warming potential emerging as the dominant environmental concern, largely driven by fossil fuel-based electricity generation. The study also highlighted opportunities for biosolids and nutrient recovery, though these were explored in a limited number of cases.
The findings underscore the need for improved data collection, increased adoption of renewable energy, and material recovery strategies to mitigate environmental impacts. The study calls for greater integration of LCA in engineering design, stakeholder engagement, and the establishment of performance standards for sustainable innovations. Moving forward, it is crucial to strengthen research efforts and policy frameworks that promote environmentally responsible water and wastewater treatment practices across Africa. Read the full paper below!
Citation: Ogbu, C.A., Alexiou Ivanova, T., Ewemoje, T.A. et al. Towards environmentally sustainable water management in Africa: a comprehensive review of life cycle assessment studies in water and wastewater treatment. Int J Life Cycle Assess (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-025-02434-x
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