Life cycle assessment of different variants of sodium chromate production in Poland

Chromium chemicals are made from sodium chromate, a basic intermediate product for the production of all other chromium compounds. This article presents application of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to choose the best method of production of sodium chromate. Three variants of sodium chromate production were considered: the classic method with the use of dolomite (DM), the implemented method with chromic mud recycling (W1) and the target waste-free method (W2). The method for evaluating the impact of sodium chromate production on the environment proposes the subcategories that should be taken into consideration in order to establish the final impact of the production process on the environment. The LCA showed further possibilities for reducing the impact of sodium chromate process on the natural environment through the implementation of new technological solutions, especially those concerning the decrease of energy consumption.