Masters Theses

Date of Award

5-1997

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Life Sciences

Major Professor

Walter Farkas

Committee Members

John Bartmess, Fred Weber

Abstract

In this study an algorithm for a chemical ranking and scoring system is developed and applied to the impact assessment phase of a product life cycle assessment. The algorithm is a modification of a previous model developed by researchers at the University of Tennessee and includes the toxicological endpoint of the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL). The chemical ranking and scoring system is used to assign a numerical value which is a measure of the potential hazard associated with a specific chemical release from a manufacturing process. These hazard values are calculated based on physical and chemical properties, the quantity released, and standard toxicological endpoints. The summation of these hazard values are used to compare information from a life cycle assessment for two identified phases of the manufacture of a plastic material to determine the phase which has the greatest potential for adverse environmental effects. From the algorithm in this study the first phase of production of a high density polyethylene plastic is determined to be 9159 and the second phase of production is determined to be 5418. Therefore, the first production phase is identified as having a greater potential environmental impact than the second production phase. These values are to be used for relative ranking comparison only and cannot be divided into each other to make a mathematical statement about degree of hazard.

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