The aim of this research project was to evaluate if the integration of soil properties within life-cycle assessment of terrestrial ecotoxicity contributes significantly to the variability of metals' characterization factors of metals.
First, experiments realized on copper contaminated soils allowed the study of the variability of the toxic responses according to soil types and time under wetting and drying conditions. Soils at pH 7.5 pursued a 16-week aging period following wetting and drying cycles. Chemical and toxicological analyses done initially on contaminated soils were repeated at the end of the aging period to assess influence of time on copper contamination.
Finally, integration of experimental results in the context of LCA performed with IMPACT 2002+ showed significant differences between ecotoxic potential associated to the two ecozones studied. Final results given by copper characterization factors demonstrated a significant difference between ecozones. Our research hypothesis is confirmed: soil properties have a significant influence in the ecotoxicity potential assessment of metals in LCA. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
My Research
