Develop a supporting framework for selecting waste treatment solutions for super-intensive shrimp farming based on the combination of material flow analysis and life cycle assessment

Abstract

This study aims to assess the current status of emissions and to propose waste treatment solutions for super-intensive shrimp ponds. Then, a framework to support the selection of waste treatment solutions in super-intensive shrimp ponds was developed based on the material flow analysis (MFA) method combined with life cycle assessment (LCA). The MFA method was applied to analyse and evaluate the flow of materials and waste in shrimp production, from farming to waste treatment. Meanwhile, LCA was used to quantify the impacts of the proposed solutions on the environment and ecosystems. The results identified and demonstrated waste treatment solutions within an integrated ecological model for super-intensive shrimp ponds. Greenhouse gas emissions reached 24,600 kg CO2 eq, acidification reached 219.5 kg SO2 eq, eutrophication reached 315 kg PO4 eq, cumulative energy use (CEU) was 307.5 GJ, and net primary productivity (BRU) reached 303,500 kg C released into the environment from shrimp farming activities.