Life Cycle–Based Carbon Footprint Assessment of the Mdhilla Industrial Site in the Tunisian Chemical Industry

This research presents a comprehensive assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and triple superphosphate (TSP) production at the Mdhilla site of the Tunisian Chemical Group. Applying a life-cycle assessment methodology based on site-specific operational data and international emission factors, the study evaluates the carbon footprint across the entire value chain, including raw material transport, employee commuting, and waste management. The results identify TSP and phosphoric acid production as the dominant contributors to site-wide emissions, while sulfuric acid plays a secondary role. Phosphoric acid exhibits the highest carbon intensity per unit of output, whereas TSP represents the main emissions hotspot due to its large production scale. Comparative analysis shows that emissions at Mdhilla significantly exceed international benchmarks, primarily due to the accumulation of phosphogypsum waste rather than its valorization. The study encompasses all relevant GHG sources, including raw material transport, employee commuting, waste management, and procurement, ensuring a holistic evaluation. Based on site-specific data, this work provides practical insights and recommendations for improving the energy and environmental performance of the Tunisian chemical industry, contributing to a more sustainable approach to industrial carbon footprint reduction.