Methods of Substance Flow Analysis of Heavy Metal Elements and Case Study

Substance Flow Analysis (SFA) is used to show the flow pattern of an elementary substance as it enters and leaves a region or factory, which can be used to evaluate the impacts of the element on the production processes, products and environment during various processes in product life cycle. The progress and status of SFA methods were comprehensively reviewed, and the methods and procedure for analysis of heavy metals established. The main factors influencing the production processes, products and environment, such as the amount of heavy metal, environmental and economic indicators, were quantitatively analyzed and evaluated. Specifically, focusing on arsenic and with case studies in two enterprises, the distribution, occurrence and tendency of arsenic during the production process were analyzed. On this base, the key links and directions for arsenic control were identified, thus providing guidance for enterprises to realize total amount reduction of heavy metals, improve the environment and cleaner production.