Industrial Ecology: Towards Closing the Materials Cycle

By Robert U. Ayres and Leslie W. Ayres

Examines strategic options for reducing wastes and pollution, and increasing the productivity of materials using an industrial ecology perspective. The volume analyzes 13 generic cases, beginning with four families of metals (aluminium, chromium, copper and zinc), several families of chemicals (phosphates and flourine; sulfur-based, nitrogen-based and chlorine-based), silicon and several different types of waste. The book also discusses opportunities for creating industrial ecosystems by deliberate design which, using new processes in some instances, would facilitate the use of low value by-products as feed stocks for useful products. Apart from surveying the technological possibilities, the book also considers the public interest, institutional barriers and the range of possible alternatives that might be applicable.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1858983975
• ISBN13: 9781858983974
• Release Date: December 1996
• Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.2"