Potential Reduction of Carbon Burden for Senak Seawater Desalination Plant in Malaysia

Abstract

PurposeCarbon footprint calculation is one of the approaches available in the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) system, which can be considered as a decision support tool for environmental sustainability management. Hence, this purpose of this study is to examine the potential contribution of the product, namely water through carbon footprint measurement. Seawater has been selected as the source for clean water transformation in Senak due to its ability to meet the growing demands of the local population and its ability to be recycled in the long term.MethodsIn this study, carbon footprint assessment was used to investigate seawater production systems from a desalination plant in Senok, Kelantan, Malaysia. Three stages of the desalination plant processing system have been investigated and the inventory database has been developed using the relevant model framework. The LCA method, in accordance with ISO14040-43 guidelines has been simplified with working unit selected is 1 per cubic meter of treated water produced from a salt water desalination source.Results and discussionOverall, the results of the study indicate that the Revolutionary Osmotic (RO) technology that has been used in the desalination plant in the study area is one of the best options to meet the demands of the environmental sustainability agenda (SDGs). This is due to a lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emission of about 3.5 × 10−2 kg of CO2 eq per m3/year that has been recorded for the entire operation of the system. The other pollutants involved the emission of NOx and Sox, which were considered to be insignificant. However, if the plant continues to operate completely on fossil fuel for the next 25 years, the emission is expected to affect the health of the community.ConclusionsSeveral factors that influence important errors in carbon footprint decisions such as the lack of EIA reporting data and the literature on carbon footprint in the Malaysian scenario. The total dependency of electrical source for SWRO process of fossil fuel is the most critical factor in the carbon footprint issue in this study. These findings can be used to develop a carbon footprint model that can commercialise carbon tax, carbon economy capital, energy security assurance, and standard carbon regulation and legislation in the context of local desalination projects.

Brine waste from seawater desalination in Malaysia: Assessment on public awareness and understanding

“…The statement regarding awareness of Malaysia's first small-scale desalination plant in Bachok, Kelantan, ranked lowest regarding respondents' awareness of desalination technology. However, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of raising awareness about this plant in the policymaking process, considering the well-established presence of a desalination plant in Malaysia [33]. Regarding the understanding of brine effluent and its environmental implications, the least amount of awareness was observed concerning knowledge about brine disposal methods and the brine effluent itself.…”