Energy and Exergy life cycle assessment of different anti-erosion systems

Anti-erosion systems are useful in order to reduce sediment accumulation in water outflows and contrast soil losses due to desertification. The choice of technology to apply cannot disregard on environmental impacts, as well on economical restrictions. In this paper the evaluations of the environmental impact of four different techniques to remediate soil erosion is presented: geo-nets, bio-mats, geo-cells, deep rooting plants (DRP). Environmental impact is expressed in terms of Natural resource consumption (Cumulative Energy and Exergy Demand indicators). The slope considered for the definition of a unit product is located in the Umbrian town of Fabro (TR). Analyses have been performed using LCA framework, relying on Ecoinvent database. Results show that DRP system is less impacting of one order of magnitude compared to the other solutions. Moreover, CExD impact method demonstrates to be a more comprehensive method for environmental resource depletion assessment than CED method.