The water footprint of lithium extraction technologies: Insights from environmental impact reports in Argentina's salt flats
Walter Fernando Díaz Paz, Lucas Seghezzo, Ariela Griselda Salas Barboza, Melisa Escosteguy, Paula Valentina Arias-Alvarado, Eduardo Emilio Kruse, Marc Hufty, Martín Alejandro Iribarnegaray
Abstract
in Olaroz and Fénix was equivalent to the water consumption of 32,238 and 141,047 inhabitants of their nearest towns (Susques and Antofagasta de la Sierra, respectively, both with a current population of less than 2,100 inhabitants). Our findings underscore that the water consumption of lithium mining can have important impacts that vary significantly with geographic context. EIRs provide a useful basis for estimating WF and BC, though certain limitations and challenges persist, particularly regarding incomplete or insufficiently detailed data.
Topics & Concepts
FootprintEcological footprintEnvironmental impact assessmentExtraction (chemistry)Lithium (medication)Salt waterEnvironmental scienceEnvironmental protectionGeographyEngineeringEnvironmental resource managementEnvironmental planningEnvironmental engineeringArchaeologySustainabilityEcologyChemistryPsychologyBiologyPsychiatryChromatographyExtraction and Separation ProcessesEnvironmental Impact and SustainabilityRecycling and Waste Management Techniques