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Formulation improvement of a concentrated enzyme detergent for high-speed rail trains through life cycle assessment methodology

Author

Listed:
  • Changyan Yang

    (Wuhan Institute of Technology
    Huanggang Normal University)

  • Yu Gong

    (Wuhan Institute of Technology)

  • Yinhang Qu

    (Wuhan Institute of Technology)

  • Jiayi Li

    (Wuhan Institute of Technology)

  • Bohan Yang

    (Wuhan Institute of Technology)

  • Rui Li

    (Northeast Agricultural University)

  • Dorothy S. Zhang

    (Guilford College)

  • Baowei Wang

    (Tianjin University)

  • Yigang Ding

    (Wuhan Institute of Technology)

  • Bo Zhang

    (Wuhan Institute of Technology)

Abstract

High-speed rail has been operating in more than 25 countries (mainly in Asia, Europe and North America), and has become an important part of global economic development. However, the cleaning and maintenance of high-speed rail is a comprehensive task, which may easily cause environmental pollution. This study aims to analyze and improve the sustainability of the formulation and production process of a concentrated complex enzyme detergent used as the maintenance agent for high-speed trains via the life cycle assessment (LCA) method. The eFootprint software system with built-in China, European and Swiss Ecoinvent databases was used to establish the LCA model with the system boundary being from cradle to gate. The LCA model showed that the production of 1 kg of concentrated detergent generates the global warming potential of 2.53 kg CO2 eq, and other environmental emissions including acidification potential of 0.01 kg SO2 eq, eutrophication potential of 3.76E-03 kg PO43−eq, inhalable inorganic matter of 3.17E-03 kg PM2.5 eq, ozone depletion potential of 5.3E-06 kg CFC-11 eq, photochemical ozone formation potential of 3.44E-03 kg NMVOC eq, primary energy demand of 3.17 MJ, abiotic depletion potential of 4.97E-6 kg antimony eq, and water use of 0.84 kg. LCA results are not strongly dependent to the assumptions of the research, and the uncertainties of LCA results are between 8 and 16%, which is mainly due to the regional differences in technology sources, the year of technical data collection, and the representativeness of technology collection companies. Carbon footprint analysis showed that the production processes of enzyme stabilizer (glycerol) and surfactants contributed the most, while changes in power consumption during production and transportation distance of raw materials had limited effect on total carbon emissions. Therefore, the formulation of the concentrated complex enzymatic detergent was improved based on the LCA results. The new formulations with less enzyme stabilizer showed similar detergency to the original formulation. The new formulations could reduce carbon emissions by 5,500–9,200 tons per year and save between $4.4 and $7.4 million in annual production of 10,000 tons.

Suggested Citation

  • Changyan Yang & Yu Gong & Yinhang Qu & Jiayi Li & Bohan Yang & Rui Li & Dorothy S. Zhang & Baowei Wang & Yigang Ding & Bo Zhang, 2024. "Formulation improvement of a concentrated enzyme detergent for high-speed rail trains through life cycle assessment methodology," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(4), pages 9871-9894, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:26:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s10668-023-03122-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03122-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Saewhan Kim & Jonghun Park, 2020. "Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Multiple Liquid Laundry Detergent Packaging Formats," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-13, June.
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