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Wickerts S, Arvidsson R, Nordelöf A, Svanström M, Johansson P. Correction to "Prospective Life Cycle Assessment of Lithium-Sulfur Batteries for Stationary Energy Storage". ACS Sustain Chem Eng 2024; 12:6035-6036. [PMID: 38638548 PMCID: PMC11022237 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c01782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c00141.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Foss Hansen
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Rickard Arvidsson
- Division of Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Bille Nielsen
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Oliver Foss Hessner Hansen
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Anders Baun
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Alessio Boldrin
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Arvidsson R, Peters G, Hansen SF, Baun A. Prospective environmental risk screening of seven advanced materials based on production volumes and aquatic ecotoxicity. NanoImpact 2022; 25:100393. [PMID: 35559875 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2022.100393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The number and volume of advanced materials being manufactured is increasing. In order to mitigate future impacts from such materials, assessment methods that can provide early indications of potential environmental risk are required. This paper presents a further development and testing of an environmental risk screening method based on two proxy measures: aquatic ecotoxicity and global annual production volumes. In addition to considering current production volumes, this further developed method considers potential future production volumes, thereby enabling prospective environmental risk screening. The proxy measures are applied to seven advanced materials: graphene, graphene oxide, nanocellulose, nanodiamond, quantum dots, nano-sized molybdenum disulfide, and MXenes. Only MXenes show high aquatic ecotoxicity, though the number of test results is still very limited. While current production volumes are relatively modest for most materials, several of the materials (graphene, graphene oxide, nanocellulose, nano-sized molybdenum disulfide, and MXenes) have the potential to become high-volume materials in the future. For MXenes, with both high aquatic ecotoxicity and high potential future production volumes, more detailed environmental risk assessments should be considered. For the other materials with high potential future production volumes, the recommendation is to continuously monitor their aquatic ecotoxicity data. Based on the application of the proxy measures combined with future scenarios for production volumes, we recommend this environmental risk screening method be used in the early development of advanced materials to prioritize which advanced materials should be subject to more detailed environmental assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rickard Arvidsson
- Division of Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, Vera Sandbergs Allé 8, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden..
| | - Gregory Peters
- Division of Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, Vera Sandbergs Allé 8, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Steffen Foss Hansen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anders Baun
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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Arvidsson R, Baun A, Furberg A, Hansen SF, Molander S. Proxy Measures for Simplified Environmental Assessment of Manufactured Nanomaterials. Environ Sci Technol 2018; 52:13670-13680. [PMID: 30422633 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b05405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Proxy measures have been proposed as a low-data option for simplified assessment of environmental threat given the high complexity of the natural environment. We here review studies of environmental release, fate, toxicity, and risk to identify relevant proxy measures for manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs). In total, 18 potential proxy measures were identified and evaluated regarding their link to environmental risk, an aspect of relevance, and data availability, an aspect of practice. They include socio-technical measures (e.g., MNM release), particle-specific measures (e.g., particle size), partitioning coefficients (e.g., the octanol-water coefficient), and other fate-related measures (e.g., half-life) as well as various ecotoxicological measures (e.g., 50% effect concentration). For most identified proxy measures, the link to environmental risk was weak and data availability low. Two exceptions were global production volume and ecotoxicity, for which the links to environmental risk are strong and data availability relatively decent. As proof of concept, these were employed to assess seven MNMs: titanium dioxide, cerium dioxide, zinc oxide, silver, silicon dioxide, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. The results show that none of the MNMs have both high production volumes and high ecotoxicity. Several refinements of the assessment are possible, such as higher resolution regarding the MNMs assessed (e.g., different allotropes) and different metrics (e.g., particle number and surface area). The proof of concept shows the feasibility of using proxy measures for environmental assessment of MNMs, in particular for novel MNMs in early technological development, when data is particularly scarce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rickard Arvidsson
- Division of Environmental Systems Analysis , Chalmers University of Technology , Vera Sandbergs Allé 8 , 412 96 Gothenburg , Sweden
- Department of Environmental Engineering , Technical University of Denmark , Bygningstorvet, Building 115 , 2800 Kongens Lyngby , Denmark
| | - Anders Baun
- Department of Environmental Engineering , Technical University of Denmark , Bygningstorvet, Building 115 , 2800 Kongens Lyngby , Denmark
| | - Anna Furberg
- Division of Environmental Systems Analysis , Chalmers University of Technology , Vera Sandbergs Allé 8 , 412 96 Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Steffen Foss Hansen
- Department of Environmental Engineering , Technical University of Denmark , Bygningstorvet, Building 115 , 2800 Kongens Lyngby , Denmark
| | - Sverker Molander
- Division of Environmental Systems Analysis , Chalmers University of Technology , Vera Sandbergs Allé 8 , 412 96 Gothenburg , Sweden
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Arvidsson R, Boholm M, Johansson M, de Montoya ML. "Just Carbon": Ideas About Graphene Risks by Graphene Researchers and Innovation Advisors. Nanoethics 2018; 12:199-210. [PMID: 30546498 PMCID: PMC6267168 DOI: 10.1007/s11569-018-0324-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Graphene is a nanomaterial with many promising and innovative applications, yet early studies indicate that graphene may pose risks to humans and the environment. According to ideas of responsible research and innovation, all relevant actors should strive to reduce risks related to technological innovations. Through semi-structured interviews, we investigated the idea of graphene as a risk (or not) held by two types of key actors: graphene researchers and innovation advisors at universities, where the latter are facilitating the movement of graphene from the laboratory to the marketplace. The most common idea found is that graphene is not a risk due to, e.g., low toxicity, low amounts produced/used, and its similarity to harmless materials (being "just carbon"). However, some researchers and advisors also say that graphene is a risk, e.g., under certain conditions or due to a lack of risk-related information. We explain the co-existence of these seemingly contradictory ideas through (1) the semantic ambiguity of the word risk and (2) a risk/no-risk rhetoric, where risks are mentioned rhetorically only to be disregarded as manageable or negligible. We suggest that some of the ideas held by the researchers and innovation advisors constitute a challenge to responsible research and innovation regarding graphene. At the same time, we acknowledge the dilemma that the discourse of responsible innovation creates for the actors: denying graphene risks makes them irresponsible due to a lack of risk awareness, while affirming graphene risks makes them irresponsible due to their everyday engagement in graphene development. We therefore recommend more research into what researchers and innovation advisors should do in practice in order to qualify as responsible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rickard Arvidsson
- Division of Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, Vera Sandbergs Allé 8, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Max Boholm
- Gothenburg Research Institute, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 603, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mikael Johansson
- Gothenburg Research Institute, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 603, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Monica Lindh de Montoya
- Gothenburg Research Institute, University of Gothenburg, PO Box 603, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Furberg A, Arvidsson R, Molander S. Live and Let Die? Life Cycle Human Health Impacts from the Use of Tire Studs. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2018; 15:E1774. [PMID: 30126166 PMCID: PMC6121463 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Studded tires are used in a number of countries during winter in order to prevent accidents. The use of tire studs is controversial and debated because of human health impacts from increased road particle emissions. The aims of this study are to assess whether the use of tire studs in a Scandinavian studded passenger car actually avoids or causes health impacts from a broader life cycle perspective, and to assess the distribution of these impacts over the life cycle. Life cycle assessment is applied and the disability-adjusted life years indicator is used to quantify the following five types of health impacts: (1) impacts saved in the use phase, (2) particle emissions in the use phase, (3) production system emissions, (4) occupational accidents in the production system, and (5) conflict casualties from revenues of cobalt mining. The results show that the health benefits in the use phase in general are outweighed by the negative impacts during the life cycle. The largest contribution to these negative human health impacts are from use phase particle emissions (67⁻77%) and occupational accidents during artisanal cobalt mining (8⁻18%). About 23⁻33% of the negative impacts occur outside Scandinavia, where the benefits occur. The results inform the current debate and highlight the need for research on alternatives to tire studs with a positive net health balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Furberg
- Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden.
| | - Rickard Arvidsson
- Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden.
| | - Sverker Molander
- Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg 412 96, Sweden.
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Arvidsson R. Response to Comment on "Risk Assessments Show Engineered Nanomaterials To Be of Low Environmental Concern". Environ Sci Technol 2018; 52:6725-6726. [PMID: 29851461 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b02738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rickard Arvidsson
- Environmental Systems Analysis , Chalmers University of Technology , Vera Sandbergs Allé 8 , SE 412 96 Gothenburg , Sweden
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Affiliation(s)
- Rickard Arvidsson
- Environmental Systems Analysis , Chalmers University of Technology , Vera Sandbergs Allé 8 , SE 412 96 Gothenburg , Sweden
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Arvidsson R, Svanström M. A framework for energy use indicators and their reporting in life cycle assessment. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016; 12:429-36. [PMID: 26551582 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Energy use is a common impact category in life cycle assessment (LCA). Many different energy use indicators are used in LCA studies, accounting for energy use in different ways. Often, however, the choice behind which energy use indicator is applied is poorly described and motivated. To contribute to a more purposeful selection of energy use indicators and to ensure consistent and transparent reporting of energy use in LCA, a general framework for energy use indicator construction and reporting in LCA studies will be presented in this article. The framework differentiates between 1) renewable and nonrenewable energies, 2) primary and secondary energies, and 3) energy intended for energy purposes versus energy intended for material purposes. This framework is described both graphically and mathematically. Furthermore, the framework is illustrated through application to a number of energy use indicators that are frequently used in LCA studies: cumulative energy demand (CED), nonrenewable cumulative energy demand (NRCED), fossil energy use (FEU), primary fossil energy use (PFEU), and secondary energy use (SEU). To illustrate how the application of different energy use indicators may lead to different results, cradle-to-gate energy use of the bionanomaterial cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) is assessed using 5 different indicators and showing a factor of 3 differences between the highest and lowest results. The relevance of different energy use indicators to different actors and contexts will be discussed, and further developments of the framework are then suggested. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:429-436. © 2015 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rickard Arvidsson
- Division of Environmental Systems Analysis, Department of Energy and Environment, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magdalena Svanström
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemical Environmental Science, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Arvidsson R, Nguyen D, Svanström M. Life cycle assessment of cellulose nanofibrils production by mechanical treatment and two different pretreatment processes. Environ Sci Technol 2015; 49:6881-90. [PMID: 25938258 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Nanocellulose is a bionanomaterial with many promising applications, but high energy use in production has been described as a potential obstacle for future use. In fact, life cycle assessment studies have indicated high life cycle energy use for nanocellulose. In this study, we assess the cradle-to-gate environmental impacts of three production routes for a particular type of nanocellulose called cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) made from wood pulp. The three production routes are (1) the enzymatic production route, which includes an enzymatic pretreatment, (2) the carboxymethylation route, which includes a carboxymethylation pretreatment, and (3) one route without pretreatment, here called the no pretreatment route. The results show that CNF produced via the carboxymethylation route clearly has the highest environmental impacts due to large use of solvents made from crude oil. The enzymatic and no pretreatment routes both have lower environmental impacts, of similar magnitude. A sensitivity analysis showed that the no pretreatment route was sensitive to the electricity mix, and the carboxymethylation route to solvent recovery. When comparing the results to those of other carbon nanomaterials, it was shown that in particular CNF produced via the enzymatic and no pretreatment routes had comparatively low environmental impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rickard Arvidsson
- †Division of Environmental Systems Analysis, Department of Energy and Environment, Chalmers University of Technology, Rännvägen 6, SE 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Duong Nguyen
- †Division of Environmental Systems Analysis, Department of Energy and Environment, Chalmers University of Technology, Rännvägen 6, SE 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magdalena Svanström
- ‡Chemical Environmental Science, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 4, SE 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Diamond ML, de Wit CA, Molander S, Scheringer M, Backhaus T, Lohmann R, Arvidsson R, Bergman Å, Hauschild M, Holoubek I, Persson L, Suzuki N, Vighi M, Zetzsch C. Exploring the planetary boundary for chemical pollution. Environ Int 2015; 78:8-15. [PMID: 25679962 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Rockström et al. (2009a, 2009b) have warned that humanity must reduce anthropogenic impacts defined by nine planetary boundaries if "unacceptable global change" is to be avoided. Chemical pollution was identified as one of those boundaries for which continued impacts could erode the resilience of ecosystems and humanity. The central concept of the planetary boundary (or boundaries) for chemical pollution (PBCP or PBCPs) is that the Earth has a finite assimilative capacity for chemical pollution, which includes persistent, as well as readily degradable chemicals released at local to regional scales, which in aggregate threaten ecosystem and human viability. The PBCP allows humanity to explicitly address the increasingly global aspects of chemical pollution throughout a chemical's life cycle and the need for a global response of internationally coordinated control measures. We submit that sufficient evidence shows stresses on ecosystem and human health at local to global scales, suggesting that conditions are transgressing the safe operating space delimited by a PBCP. As such, current local to global pollution control measures are insufficient. However, while the PBCP is an important conceptual step forward, at this point single or multiple PBCPs are challenging to operationalize due to the extremely large number of commercial chemicals or mixtures of chemicals that cause myriad adverse effects to innumerable species and ecosystems, and the complex linkages between emissions, environmental concentrations, exposures and adverse effects. As well, the normative nature of a PBCP presents challenges of negotiating pollution limits amongst societal groups with differing viewpoints. Thus, a combination of approaches is recommended as follows: develop indicators of chemical pollution, for both control and response variables, that will aid in quantifying a PBCP(s) and gauging progress towards reducing chemical pollution; develop new technologies and technical and social approaches to mitigate global chemical pollution that emphasize a preventative approach; coordinate pollution control and sustainability efforts; and facilitate implementation of multiple (and potentially decentralized) control efforts involving scientists, civil society, government, non-governmental organizations and international bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, 22 Russell Street, Toronto, M5S 3B1 Ontario, Canada
| | - Cynthia A de Wit
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sverker Molander
- Environmental Systems Analysis, Department of Energy and Environment, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Wolfgang-Pauli-Str. 10, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; Leuphana University Lüneburg, D-21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Backhaus
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Box 100, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882, United States
| | - Rickard Arvidsson
- Environmental Systems Analysis, Department of Energy and Environment, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Åke Bergman
- Swedish Toxicology Sciences Research Center (Swetox), Forskargatan 20, Sweden
| | - Michael Hauschild
- Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Nils Koppels Allé, Building 426 D, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ivan Holoubek
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Linn Persson
- Stockholm Environment Institute, Linnégatan 87D, Box 24218, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Noriyuki Suzuki
- Strategic Risk Management Research Section, Center for Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
| | - Marco Vighi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, Milan 20126, Italy
| | - Cornelius Zetzsch
- Forschungsstelle für Atmosphärische Chemie, Dr. Hans-Frisch-Str. 1-3, Universität Bayreuth, D-954 48 Bayreuth, Germany
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Hammar L, Eggertsen L, Andersson S, Ehnberg J, Arvidsson R, Gullström M, Molander S. A probabilistic model for hydrokinetic turbine collision risks: exploring impacts on fish. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117756. [PMID: 25730314 PMCID: PMC4346259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of hydrokinetic turbines are currently under development for power generation in rivers, tidal straits and ocean currents. Because some of these turbines are large, with rapidly moving rotor blades, the risk of collision with aquatic animals has been brought to attention. The behavior and fate of animals that approach such large hydrokinetic turbines have not yet been monitored at any detail. In this paper, we conduct a synthesis of the current knowledge and understanding of hydrokinetic turbine collision risks. The outcome is a generic fault tree based probabilistic model suitable for estimating population-level ecological risks. New video-based data on fish behavior in strong currents are provided and models describing fish avoidance behaviors are presented. The findings indicate low risk for small-sized fish. However, at large turbines (≥5 m), bigger fish seem to have high probability of collision, mostly because rotor detection and avoidance is difficult in low visibility. Risks can therefore be substantial for vulnerable populations of large-sized fish, which thrive in strong currents. The suggested collision risk model can be applied to different turbine designs and at a variety of locations as basis for case-specific risk assessments. The structure of the model facilitates successive model validation, refinement and application to other organism groups such as marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linus Hammar
- Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Energy and Environment, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Eggertsen
- Stockholm University, Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Jimmy Ehnberg
- Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Energy and Environment, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rickard Arvidsson
- Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Energy and Environment, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin Gullström
- Stockholm University, Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sverker Molander
- Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Energy and Environment, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Arvidsson R, Kushnir D, Sandén BA, Molander S. Prospective life cycle assessment of graphene production by ultrasonication and chemical reduction. Environ Sci Technol 2014; 48:4529-36. [PMID: 24646298 DOI: 10.1021/es405338k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
One promising future bulk application of graphene is as composite additive. Therefore, we compare two production routes for in-solution graphene using a cradle-to-gate lifecycle assessment focusing on potential differences in energy use, blue water footprint, human toxicity, and ecotoxicity. The data used for the assessment is based on information in scientific papers and patents. Considering the prospective nature of this study, environmental impacts from background systems such as energy production were not included. The production routes are either based on ultrasonication or chemical reduction. The results show that the ultrasonication route has lower energy and water use, but higher human and ecotoxicity impacts, compared to the chemical reduction route. However, a sensitivity analysis showed that solvent recovery in the ultrasonication process gives lower impacts for all included impact categories. The sensitivity analysis also showed that solvent recovery is important to lower the blue water footprint of the chemical reduction route as well. The results demonstrate the possibility to conduct a life cycle assessment study based mainly on information from patents and scientific articles, enabling prospective life cycle assessment studies of products at early stages of technological development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rickard Arvidsson
- Division of Environmental Systems Analysis, Department of Energy and Environment, Chalmers University of Technology , Rännvägen 6, SE 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Boholm M, Arvidsson R. Controversy over antibacterial silver: implications for environmental and sustainability assessments. J Clean Prod 2014; 68:135-143. [PMID: 32288346 PMCID: PMC7135433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.12.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Revised: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The potential risks and benefits of using silver, especially nanosilver, as an antibacterial agent in consumer and healthcare products are under debate globally. Using content analysis of texts from newspaper and TV, government agencies, municipalities, government and parliament, non-governmental organizations, and companies, we analyze the argumentation in the Swedish public controversy over antibacterial silver and relate the findings to environmental and sustainability assessments. We conclude that silver is regarded as either beneficial or harmful in relation to four main values: the environment, health, sewage treatment, and product effectiveness. Various arguments are used to support positive and negative evaluations of silver, revealing several contradictory reasons for considering silver beneficial or harmful. Current environmental and sustainability assessments (i.e. substance flow analysis, risk analysis, multi-criteria analysis, and lifecycle assessment) cover many of the concerns raised in the public controversy over antibacterial silver and can therefore inform the debate regarding its toxicity, emissions, and environmental impact. However, not all concerns raised in the public controversy are covered by current environmental and sustainability assessments, most notably, concerns over public health and bacterial resistance issues are not paid full attention. For future environmental and sustainability assessments to make an even more significant societal contribution and to inform consumers and decision-makers about concerns articulated in the public debate, a wider range of issues concerning antibacterial silver needs to be considered through a unified framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Boholm
- School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg, P.O Box 700, SE 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +46 31 786 5624.
| | - Rickard Arvidsson
- Division of Environmental System Analysis, Department of Energy and Environment, Chalmers University of Technology, SE 412 96 Göteborg, Sweden
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Praetorius A, Arvidsson R, Molander S, Scheringer M. Facing complexity through informed simplifications: a research agenda for aquatic exposure assessment of nanoparticles. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2013; 15:161-168. [PMID: 24592434 DOI: 10.1039/c2em30677h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Exposure assessment of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) is a challenging task mainly due to the novel properties of these new materials and the complexity caused by a wide range of particle characteristics, ENP-containing products and possible environmental interactions. We here present a research agenda in which we propose to face the complexity associated with ENP exposure assessment through informed and systematic simplifications. Exposure modelling is presented as a method for addressing complexity by identifying processes dominant for the fate of ENPs in the environment and enabling an iterative learning process by studying different emission and fate scenarios. Furthermore, the use of models is important to highlight most pressing research needs. For this reason, we also strongly encourage improved communication and collaboration between modellers and experimental scientists. Feedback between modellers and experimental scientists is crucial in order to understand the big picture of ENP exposure assessment and to establish common research strategies. Through joint research efforts and projects, the field of ENP exposure assessment can greatly improve and significantly contribute to a comprehensive and systematic risk assessment of ENPs.
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