Pollutants Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment of a Photovoltaic Powered Textile Electro-Fenton Wastewater Treatment System

Abstract

Textile wastewater poses a substantial environmental challenge due to the persistence of organic dyes. This study introduces a novel approach using photovoltaic (PV) powered electro-Fenton (EF) technology for effective treatment of textile wastewater. Acid orange 7 (AO7), methylene blue (MB), and malachite green (MG) were selected as representative organic dyes to validate the method under varying experimental conditions. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) highlighted the significant influence of pollutant type, pH levels, and current density on the degradation efficiency of the system, with optimal conditions observed at pH = 3 and high current density. To underscore the environmental benefits, a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted. The PV-powered EF system, when implemented in a textile mill, exhibited an energy payback time (EPBT) of 9.53 years, a greenhouse gas payback time (GPBT) of 4.45 years, and a life cycle cost (LCC) of 1.9 × 10 5 RMB. Comparative analysis with conventional Fenton and EF processes revealed substantial energy savings, with carbon emissions reduced by 95% and 78%, and energy consumption reduced by 87% and 52%, respectively.