Life cycle assessment (LCA) on waste management options for derelict fishing gear

Abstract Purpose Derelict fishing gear (DFG) is one of the most abundant and harmful types marine litter that gets increasingly retrieved from ocean. However, for this novel waste stream recycling recovery pathways are not yet commonly established. To identify suitable management system, study assesses potential environmental impacts DFG treatment options in Europe. Methods This applies an attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) to four scenarios, namely a mechanical recycling, syngas production, energy landfill disposal. The scope spans retrieval transport processes pre- end-treatment steps until outputs sent or assumed substitute products energy. Primary data was collected trials Contribution, sensitivity uncertainty analyses were conducted using LCA software SimaPro ReCiPe as impact methodology. Results discussion results show achieve lowest impacts. production disposal scenario environmentally competitive because they require too much electricity, their avoided credits small offset emissions. Unlike pre-treatment processes, have significant on overall results. distances, mix market technological assumptions least sensitive, while changes composition significantly affect Especially reduced lead content benefits human toxicity scenario. analysis showed very robust nine twelve categories. Conclusions first compares litter. indicate hazardous should be replaced with recovery. While may technologically possible beneficial, economic social factors also considered before final decision made. further reduce impacts, prevention play more important role. Graphical abstract