Open Access Conference Proceedings

Issues related to reducing the use of natural resources, including metals and fossil fuels, are an important element of environmental management in the European Union. The paper presents the results of the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and the use of natural resources for various options of septic tanks. An assessment of septic tanks made of reinforced concrete, glass-reinforced plastic and high density polyethylene was made. Based on the carried out analyses it has been shown that concrete tanks are characterized by the lowest indicator of fossil fuels depletion and at the same time the highest indicator of depletion of metals, especially iron, chromium, manganese, molybdenum and nickel. The highest consumption indicator of fossil fuels is characteristic for septic tanks made of glass reinforced plastic. The carried out works enable the design of septic tanks with the lowest consumption of natural resources.

Keywords: Metal septic tanks, plastic septic tanks, metal and fossil fuels depletion, life cycle assessment, natural resources management

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