Environmental, Economic and Social Assessment in the Simulation of Sulfuric Acid Production

Sulfuric acid is one of the most important industrial chemicals due to its diverse applications and the magnitude of its consumption. Therefore, its level of use is considered a key indicator of a country's degree of industrialization and productive activity. This study analyzes sulfuric acid production routes and specifically examines the contact process, which was simulated using ASPEN Plus software. The research includes a comprehensive evaluation of the process, employing the WAR GUI algorithm for environmental impact analysis and the Aspen Economic Analyzer for economic evaluation. Social aspects such as job creation and community impact were also considered. Simulation results showed a process efficiency of 25% by mass, identifying the combustion and reaction stages as the most energy-intensive. The economic analysis revealed a production cost of $0.022 USD/kg and a potential profit of $0.078 USD/kg, while the environmental assessment quantified an impact of 0.43 PEI/kg of product, predominantly on local toxicity. The integration of these dimensions demonstrates that, while the project is economically viable and socially beneficial in terms of employment and regional development, its long-term sustainability will depend on the implementation of environmental mitigation strategies, energy integration, and responsible social management that minimize local toxicological impacts and strengthen community acceptance