Life cycle assessment on boron production: is boric acid extraction from salt-lake brine environmentally friendly?

No information is currently available on potential environmental impact of boric acid solvent extraction from salt-lake brine although boron production important for industry, agriculture, and human well-beings. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was firstly used by this study to evaluate the using method with functional unit 1-ton acid. CO2 pollutant highest emission amount among target pollutants, while both reverse stages contributed 61.6% total technique. Global warming (GWP) acidification (AP) producing technique reached 5.52 × 103 kg eq 28.0 SO2 eq, respectively. Extraction/dry stage highest/lowest percentage indices following order > dry. cost 1 ton estimated as $1054.83 67.5% internal cost. Approximately 1.59 indirect water 6010 kWh electricity were consumed produce The amounts pollutants nanofiltration boron-production 1.4–1.7 times those GWP AP comparable other processes. findings will provide theoretical basis quantitative data sustainable development cleaner industry.