Life-Cycle Impact Assessment of Air Emissions from a Cement Production Plant in Cambodia

Abstract

Cement industrial emissions account for 32% of air pollution in Cambodia. With that in mind, we examined the environmental impact of Cambodia's cement industry and identified ways that it could reduce air pollution. The study focused on raw material extraction and preparation, calcination, and cement preparation. Data for the life-cycle inventory were provided by the Kampot Cement Plant. Air emissions were assessed using EMEP/EEA and IPCC criteria, and the impact assessment used ReCiPe (2016). The baseline analysis revealed that calcination contributed the most air pollutants, so mitigation scenarios focused on alternative fuels only during the calcination stage of cement production: 1) 100% coal (S1); 2) 93% coal and 7% biomass (S2); 3) 85% coal and 15% biomass (S3); 4) 70% coal and 30% biomass (S4); and 5) 50% coal and 50% biomass (S5). The results demonstrated that certain mitigation measures reduced major emissions and environmental damage. S5 had the best results, reducing CO 2 by 49.97, NOx by 2.233, and SO 2 by 49.333%; however, it increased PM 2.5 by 19.60% and total heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Se, Zn) output by 28.113%. The results of the study showed reductions in serious health and environmental effects associated with climate change of 48.83%, ozone generation of 9.62%, and particulate matter formation of 28.80%. However, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic human toxicity increased by 35.66%. Therefore, such mitigation effect would be benefit to carbon reduction target in Cambodia.