Resource and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Effects through Recycling of Platinum-Containing Waste

HyeonJeong Hwang, Tackkwan Kweon, HongYoon Kang and YongWoo Hwang ()
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HyeonJeong Hwang: Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Research Team, Natural Environment Research Division, National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Gyeongseo-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea
Tackkwan Kweon: Program in Circular Economy Environmental System, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
HongYoon Kang: Program in Circular Economy Environmental System, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
YongWoo Hwang: Department of Environmental Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: When disposing of waste metal resources in landfills, environmental issues such as soil contamination may arise. Recycling these resources not only recovers valuable metals but also mitigates environmental pollution. Platinum (Pt), a valuable metal used in fuel cells for its high water production activity, will see increased future demand as a fossil fuel alternative. This study analyzes the environmental and resource reduction effects of recycled Pt, considering the growing emphasis on its recycling for stable supply and demand of Pt. The environmental impact and resource consumption of recycled Pt with primary Pt (from natural mines) were compared and analyzed using the Life Cycle Assessment technique. The results revealed that resource consumption for primary Pt was 8.25 × 10 1 kg Sb-eq./kg, significantly more than the 5.45 × 10 0 kg Sb-eq./kg for recycled Pt. This represents an environmental reduction effect of approximately 93%. In the case of greenhouse gas emissions, primary Pt emitted 1.35 × 10 4 kg CO 2 -eq./kg, while recycled Pt emitted 6.94 × 10 2 kg CO 2 -eq./kg, resulting in an environmental reduction effect of approximately 95%. In conclusion, recycling Pt, compared to primary extraction, offers substantial environmental and resource reduction benefits. This study underscores the significance of recycling and highlights the potential environmental improvements achievable through sustainable practices.

Keywords: circular economy; platinum recycling; greenhouse gas emission reduction; resource saving; life cycle assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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