In the heart of China’s energy sector, a groundbreaking study led by TIAN Shuwen from the Research Center of Smart Environment Joint at Beijing Jiaotong University has shed new light on the environmental and economic impacts of treating coal gasification wastewater. The research, published in ‘Gongye shui chuli’ (Industrial Water Treatment), compares the anaerobic ammonia oxidation (CANON) process with the traditional multi-stage AO process, revealing significant benefits that could reshape the industry’s approach to wastewater management.
Coal gasification, a process that converts coal into syngas, is a critical step in producing energy and chemicals. However, it generates wastewater laden with ammonia and other pollutants, posing environmental challenges. The study adopted the life cycle assessment (LCA) method to evaluate the carbon emissions, environmental impacts, and economic benefits of the CANON process after renovation and the multi-stage AO process before renovation.
The findings are striking. The CANON unit’s carbon emissions and environmental impacts were found to be just 40.02% and 42.2% of the AO unit, respectively. This dramatic reduction in environmental footprint is a game-changer for the energy sector, where sustainability is increasingly a key concern. “The CANON process not only reduces carbon emissions but also significantly lowers the environmental impact,” said TIAN Shuwen. “This makes it a more sustainable option for treating coal gasification wastewater.”
The study also delved into the economic benefits. The average processing cost of the renovated system could be saved by 6.47 yuan/m³, and the carbon reduction benefit was 487.20 yuan/d. Additionally, a potential benefit of 9 300 yuan/d could be obtained through the sale of anaerobic ammonia oxidizing bacterial sludge. These economic advantages underscore the commercial viability of the CANON process, making it an attractive option for energy companies looking to balance sustainability with profitability.
The research also highlighted the role of renewable energy sources. Wind power generation, in particular, was found to have the smallest contribution to the global warming potential (GWP) category, reducing GWP contribution by about 20% compared to coal combustion. This finding underscores the importance of integrating renewable energy sources into wastewater treatment processes to further enhance sustainability.
The study’s sensitivity analysis provided deeper insights. Changes in electricity consumption had the greatest impact on the acidification potential (AP) category, while changes in drug consumption had the greatest impact on the ozone depletion potential (ODP) category. These findings could guide future developments in optimizing wastewater treatment processes to minimize environmental impacts.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the energy sector continues to evolve, the CANON process offers a sustainable and economically viable solution for managing coal gasification wastewater. The findings could influence policy decisions, drive innovation in wastewater treatment technologies, and encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices across the industry. The study, published in ‘Gongye shui chuli’ (Industrial Water Treatment), provides a robust framework for assessing the environmental and economic impacts of wastewater treatment processes, paving the way for a more sustainable future in the energy sector.
