Spatiotemporal patterns and scenario prediction of greenhouse gas emissions from air pollutants treatment in global iron and steel industry

Abstract

The treatment of air pollutants in iron and steel industry was crucial for environmental protection, but this process generated GHG emissions. This study adopted the emission factor approach to assess the spatiotemporal variation and future trends of GHG emissions from air pollutants treatment in the global steel industry. In 2019, global GHG emission from air pollutants treatment in iron and steel industry reached 5.37×10⁹ kg CO₂e in 2019, comparable in scale to GHG emissions from wastewater and waste treatment. Among these, SO₂ treatment accounted for the largest source of GHG emissions. Spatially, Asia accounted for 91% of global GHG emissions, with China contributing 76% primarily due to its massive crude steel production. Industrial production structure and terminal treatment technology were two important factors influencing GHG emissions. Under baseline scenario, GHG emissions from air pollutants treatment would reach 1.1×10¹⁰ kg CO₂e by 2050. Significant reductions in GHG emissions could be achieved by adjusting production structure. This study quantified GHG emissions in air pollutants treatment and underscored the potential of adjusting industrial production structure to reduce air pollutants generation and mitigate corresponding GHG emissions.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

GHG emissions / Air-pollutants treatment / SO₂ / Terminal treatment / Production structure

Highlight

	● Global GHG emissions caused by air pollutants treatment were quantified.
	● GHG emissions caused by SO2 treatment played a decisive role.
	● GHG emissions mainly originated from certain countries.
	● Steel production and terminal treatment technology determined GHG emissions.
	● Optimizing production structure could significantly reduce GHG emissions.

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